Rapanui goatfish

📖 Overview

Rapanui goatfish (Parupeneus orientalis) is a ray-finned fish of the family Mullidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 24.9 cm. With a trophic level of 3.5, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal soft rays: 7; Vertebrae: 24. Diagnosis: Pectoral rays 16-17 (three of four with 16). Gill rakers 7-8 + 27-29 (total 35-37). Body depth 2.95-3.3 in SL; head length (HL) 2.7-2.95 in SL; snout length 1.7-1.75 in HL; barbel length 1.45-1.7 in HL; third dorsal spine longest, 1.55-2.0 in HL; penultimate dorsal ray at most 1.1 in length of last dorsal ray; pectoral-fin length 1.4-1.5 in HL; pelvic-fin length 1.35-1.55 in HL. Body in life with a broad white stripe just above lateral line, bordered dorsally by a series of close-set black spots along uppermost row of scales; side of body below lateral line light brown with five large square blackish bars (each scale in bars with a black spot), the last anteriorly on caudal peduncle continuing dorsally across white stripe; head bluish gray dorsally with transverse rows of black spots on nape and interorbital; fins dusky to reddish .: fusiform / normal.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Rapanui goatfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Rapanui goatfish is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Rapanui goatfish is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; demersal. Tropical Southeast Pacfiic: Easter Island.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

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