Spotted goatfish
📖 Overview
Inhabits shallow waters to depths of 90 m , especially over sand and rock bottoms in reef areas. Young juveniles often found on beds of seagrass, e.g. Thalassia. Feeds on small invertebrates . Flesh highly esteemed; marketed fresh and frozen . Traded as an aquarium fish at Ceará, Brazil .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 8 - 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8. A series of three large blackish blotches on upper side of body beneath dorsal fins; color variable but usually pale, the scales of the back with reddish or yellowish brown edges and a central pale blue spot; diagonal light blue lines on head. Capable of displaying a pattern of large red blotches on head and body in less than a minute .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Spotted goatfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Spotted goatfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Spawnng may either be in pairs or in small groups .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 90 m , usually 0 - 35 m . Subtropical; 40°N - 30°S, 98°W - 28°W
🌿 Ecology
small invertebrates (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Spotted 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 | 19.3 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 259 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Spotted goatfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Spotted goatfish |
| 🌍CES | parmice skvrnitá |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Plettet mulle |
| 🇫🇷French | Barbarin rouge · Rouget-barbet tacheté |
| 🇮🇹Italian | Pesce capra maculato · Triglia maculata |
| 🇳🇱Dutch | Barbeel |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Beija-moça · Salmonete · Saramonete-pintado · Saramunete · Trilha · Trilha-das-Antilhas · Trilha-vermelha |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Пятнистая салмонета |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Salmonete pinto · chivo manchado · salmonete colorado |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mullus maculatus | Bloch | 1793 | Synonym |
| Pseudopeneus maculatus | Bloch | 1793 | Synonym |
| Upeneus maculatus | Bloch | 1793 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 106 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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