📖 Overview
This schooling species occurs at depths exceeding 30 m to at least 110 over sandy patches and limestone bottoms . Benthopelagic . It is mainly diurnal. May display four alternating dark red and light red bars on the body when feeding .
Scientific Name
Mulloidichthys pfluegeri
Authority
Steindachner, 1900
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
🐟 Physical Description
Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 7 - 8. : fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Pflueger's goatfish is currently being
reviewed.
🦐 Diet
aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus
🥚 Reproduction
🐣 Oviparous
📦 Batch Spawner
Spawning Season
spring-summer
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 30 - 110 m . Tropical; 30°N - 30°S, 51°E - 133°W north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to Tonga; Mariana and Marshall Islands in Micronesia.
🌿 Ecology
Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine
🪸 Reef Associated
🐠 Schooling
📐 Morphometrics
Length–Weight Relationship:
W = 0.01023 × L3.09
(TL)
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
IUCN Category
Least Concern
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
48.00/100
Moderate-High vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.9
Predator
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Latitude Range
30°N
–
30°S
Described By
Steindachner, 1900
🎣 Angling Guide
Fight Rating
strong pulls with head-shakes
Best Seasons
spring,summer,fall
Best Time
incoming tide, dawn and dusk
Rod Type
medium-heavy spinning
Catch & Release
✓ Recommended
Best Months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Techniques
bottom fishing
popping cork
soft plastics
live bait
Bait & Lures
live shrimp
cut mullet
soft plastic paddle-tails
popping corks
Recommended Tackle
-
medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
-
30-50 lb braid
-
fluorocarbon leader
Where to Find Them
-
grass flats
-
oyster bars
-
marsh drains
-
deeper channel edges
Tips & Tricks
Popping cork technique attracts fish from distance. Fish moving tides.
Catch & Release Tips
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
Regulations Summary
⚠️
Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Pflueger's goatfish is an edible species."
✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
✗ Avoid If
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking
Grilling
Pan-frying
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient |
Amount |
| Protein |
18.8 g |
| Omega-3 (total) |
169 mg
|
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Pflueger's goatfish has not yet been
assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact
✓ Sustainable Choice
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g
- Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
Proximate Composition
Energy125 kcal
Moisture75 %
Protein20 %
Total Fat4 %
Ash1.3 %
Fatty Acids (g)
Saturated Fat1 g
Monounsaturated Fat1.2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat1.5 g
Omega-3 Total1 g
EPA0.3 g
DHA0.5 g
Omega-6 Total0.3 g
Key Minerals & Vitamins
Calcium20 mg
Iron0.7 mg
Magnesium30 mg
Phosphorus220 mg
Potassium380 mg
Sodium55 mg
Zinc0.5 mg
Selenium32 µg
Vitamin B122 µg
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year |
Region |
Index |
Notes |
| - |
- |
- |
|
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
|
Scientific Name |
Author |
Year |
Status |
|
Mulloides pfluegeri |
Steindachner |
1900 |
Synonym
|
|
Mulloides pflugeri |
Steindachner |
1900 |
Synonym
|
|
Mulloidichthys pflugeri |
Steindachner |
1900 |
Synonym
|
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed
.