Yellow goatfish
📖 Overview
Found over sandy areas of lagoon and seaward reefs . Often in schools . Forms schools with the smallmouth grunt (Haemulon chrysargyreum), an association regarded as social protective mimicry . Juveniles are common in seagrass beds . Feeds on benthic invertebrates . Marketed fresh .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 6. Body pale tan with distinctive yellow stripe from eye to caudal fin; tail yellow. Less brightly colored than other species and is the only one with a single yellow stripe along side .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Yellow goatfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 49 m , usually 0 - 35 m . Subtropical; 33°N - 26°S, 98°W - 8°E
🌿 Ecology
benthic invertebrates (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mulloides martinicus | Cuvier | 1829 | Synonym |
| Upeneus balteatus | Cuvier | 1829 | Synonym |
| Upeneus flavovittatus | Poey | 1853 | Synonym |
| Upeneus martinicus | Cuvier | 1829 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 22 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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