Whitesaddle goatfish
📖 Overview
Inhabits lagoon and seaward reefs; in small groups under ledges or among corals by day, dispersing at night to feed among rocks and corals on benthic crustaceans . It is a nocturnal predator that feeds mostly on benthic crustaceans . Spawning appears to be year-round with the peak from December to July; females may spawn more than once a year .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal soft rays: 7; Vertebrae: 24. Diagnosis: Pectoral rays 15 (rarely 14 or 16). Gill rakers 6-7 + 24-27 (total 30-34). Body depth 2.85-3.25 in SL; head length (HL) 2.85-3.1 in SL; snout length 1.85-2.2 in HL; barbels short, 1.65-1.95 in HL; longest dorsal spine 1.55-1.85 in HL; last dorsal ray slightly longer than penultimate ray; posterior margin of each caudal lobe convex; pectoral-fin length 1.3-1.5 in HL; pelvic-fin length 1.2-1.4 in HL. Body red to reddish brown dorsally, light red ventrally, with a white saddle-like spot on caudal peduncle flanked anteriorly and posteriorly by a dusky spot, the posterior one darkest; a reddish brown band from front of snout through eye and along body to above lateral line, fading and broadening below second dorsal fin, dark band behind eye and anteriorly on body bordered by a white band; fins mainly red; barbels white .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Whitesaddle goatfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Whitesaddle goatfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Whitesaddle goatfish is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 140 m . Tropical; 24°N - 18°N, 164°W - 153°W Central Pacific: Hawaii.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Whitesaddle 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 | 18.2 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 139 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Whitesaddle goatfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | kumu · whitesaddle goatfish · Whitestriped goatfish |
| 🌍CES | parmice bělosedlá |
| 🇫🇷French | Rouze rouz |
| 🇮🇹Italian | Pesce capra sella bianca · Triglia sella bianca |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Trilha-havaiano |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pseudupeneus porphyreus | Jenkins | 1903 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 3 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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