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Australian goatfish (Upeneus australiae) — Mullidae

Australian goatfish

Upeneus australiae
Family: Mullidae

The Australian goatfish (Upeneus australiae) is a saltwater fish of the family Mullidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
16 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
3.0–82.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Australian goatfish is a goatfish (Mullidae) from shallow sand and reef water of the waters around Australia. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an elongate, reddish to silvery body and a pair of long, mobile chin barbels full of taste sensors. With them it probes and roots over sand and mud searching for worms, crustaceans and molluscs. It is a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Australian goatfish?

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

Where does the Australian goatfish live?

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

How big does the Australian goatfish get?

The Australian goatfish grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the Australian goatfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Australian goatfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Australian goatfish edible?

Yes, the Australian goatfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Australische mul sourced
English name
Australian goatfish sourced
Scientific name
Upeneus australiae
Family
Mullidae
Other names
Australian goatfish sourced

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
16.0 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
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
3.0 verified
Max depth (m)
82.0 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
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 Upeneus

More from the family Mullidae

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