Dot-and-dash Goatfish
NameDot-and-dash Goatfish
Scientific NameParupeneus barberinus
Common NamesDot-and-dash Goatfish, Dash-and-dot Goatfish, Bar-tailed Goatfish, Barberinus Goatfish
FamilyMullidae
OriginIndo-Pacific, Red Sea, East Africa, French Polynesia, Japan, Australia
Temperamentpeaceful
Dietcarnivore
Care Levelintermediate
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)180
Max Size (Inches)24
Water TypeSaltwater
Temperature Range (°F)72-82
pH Range8.1-8.4
Compatible SpeciesTangs, Large Angelfish, Wrasses, Triggerfish (peaceful types), Puffers (peaceful types), Groupers (smaller, peaceful types)
Description
This large, striking goatfish is characterized by a prominent black stripe running from its snout through its eye to the caudal peduncle, topped by a yellow stripe. It has a distinctive black spot on its caudal peduncle and uses its barbels to sift through sand for benthic invertebrates. Its sand-sifting behavior makes it an active bottom-dweller.
