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Moffitt's goatfish (Parupeneus moffitti) — Mullidae

Moffitt's goatfish

Parupeneus moffitti
Family: Mullidae

The Moffitt's goatfish (Parupeneus moffitti) is a saltwater fish of the family Mullidae that grows up to 24 cm.

Length
23.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
120.0–230.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Moffitt's goatfish is a goatfish (Mullidae) from shallow sand and reef water of the western Pacific. The species grows to about 25 cm and has an elongate body with two long chin barbels with which it feels for prey in sand and sediment. As a bottom-oriented fish it roots over sand for worms, crustaceans and small invertebrates; it can change colour rapidly. It is a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Moffitt's goatfish?

The Moffitt's goatfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Moffitt's goatfish live?

The Moffitt's goatfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Moffitt's goatfish get?

The Moffitt's goatfish grows to a maximum of about 24 cm.

Is the Moffitt's goatfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Moffitt's goatfish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Moffitts zeebarbeel sourced
English name
Moffitt's goatfish sourced
Scientific name
Parupeneus moffitti
Family
Mullidae
Other names
Moffit's goatfish sourced

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
23.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
120.0 verified
Max depth (m)
230.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Parupeneus

More from the family Mullidae

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