Bicolor goatfish
📖 Overview
Adults solitary, juveniles in schools . Usually found in the vicinity of coral reefs in protected waters such as bays or lagoons or in deeper outer-reef areas to at least 40 meters . Inhabits mixed sand, rubble, and seaweed covered bottoms near coral reefs. Carnivorous, feeds mainly on worms, crustaceans, brittle stars, and small mollusks and heart urchins.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 7. Diagnosis: Pectoral rays 15-16 (usually 15). Gill rakers 6-8 + 20-25 (total 28-32). Body moderately elongate, depth 3.2-3.5 in SL; head length 2.75-3.15 in SL; snout length 1.8-2.0 in HL; barbel length 1.3-1.5 in HL; head and anterior half of body reddish black, posterior half white and yellow with a black spot nearly as large as eye on upper side below rear base of second dorsal fin, followed by small blue spots; a white band from front of snout passing above eye along dorsal part of body, and a second nearly parallel one from corner of mouth to above pectoral fin; caudal fin pale yellow with a broad, dusky lower margin, and often with a small red spot at midbase; barbels red .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Bicolor goatfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Bicolor goatfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Bicolor goatfish is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 100 m . Tropical; 30°N - 25°S north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to New Caledonia and Tonga; Palau, Caroline and Marshall Islands in Micronesia.
🌿 Ecology
worms, crustaceans, brittle stars, and small mollusks and heart urchins
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Bicolor goatfish is an edible species."
- 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
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked — Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17.8 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 133 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Bicolor goatfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pseudopeneus barberinoides | Bleeker | 1852 | Synonym |
| Upeneus barberinoides | Bleeker | 1852 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 17 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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