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Sidespot goatfish (Parupeneus pleurostigma) — Mullidae

Sidespot goatfish

Parupeneus pleurostigma
Family: Mullidae

The Sidespot goatfish (Parupeneus pleurostigma) is a saltwater fish of the family Mullidae that grows up to 33 cm.

Length
33 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–120.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Sidespot goatfish is a goatfish (Mullidae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 33 cm and has an elongate body with a pair of long barbels under the chin. A conspicuous dark blotch with a white zone behind it stands out on the flank. With the barbels it probes sand and reef bottoms for worms, crustaceans and molluscs. It is a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sidespot goatfish?

The Sidespot goatfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Sidespot goatfish live?

The Sidespot goatfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Sidespot goatfish get?

The Sidespot goatfish grows to a maximum of about 33 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.

Is the Sidespot goatfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Sidespot goatfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Sidespot goatfish edible?

Yes, the Sidespot goatfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zijvlek-mul sourced
English name
Sidespot goatfish sourced
Scientific name
Parupeneus pleurostigma
Family
Mullidae
Other names
Blackspot goatfish; Goatfish; Round-spot goatfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
33.0 verified
Average length (cm)
20.0 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
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
120.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. 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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