Yellowfin goatfish – Mulloidichthys vanicolensis

Yellowfin goatfish, Banded Goatfish, Flame Goatfish, Goatfish, Golden Banded Goatfish, Goldenstripe Goatfish, Goldstripe Goatfish, Red Goatfish, Red Weke, Yellowfin Goatfish, Yellowstripe Goatfish, Mulloidichthys vanicolensis
Size: 39.8 cm
Depth: 1 - 113 m

American Samoa, Andaman and Nicobar, Australia, Chile, China, Cocos Islands, Cook Islands, Egypt, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Hawaii, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Madagascar, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Mozambique, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Norfolk Island, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Reunion Island, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, USA, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Wallis and Futuna, Yemen

Arabian Sea, Atlantic Ocean, Celebes Sea, Coral Sea, East China Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Aqaba, Indian Ocean, Moro Gulf, Pacific Ocean, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, South China Sea, Sulu Sea, Tasman Sea, Yellow Sea

The Banded Goatfish, Flame Goatfish, Goatfish, Golden Banded Goatfish, Goldenstripe Goatfish, Goldstripe Goatfish, Red Goatfish, Red Weke, Yellowfin Goatfish, Yellowstripe Goatfish (scientific name: Mulloidichthys vanicolensis) is a species of fish belonging to the goatfish family (Mullidae). These vibrant and diversely colored fish can be found in a variety of marine environments.

Description & Characteristics

The Mulloidichthys vanicolensis is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 39.8 cm. It is characterized by its striking coloration, which varies depending on its specific common name. Some individuals boast a distinctive banded pattern, while others are adorned with vibrant shades of red, yellow, or gold. They possess a distinctive, elongated body with a prominent snout that features two long, whisker-like barbels. These barbels are sensory organs that help them to detect prey buried in the sand.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Banded Goatfish, Flame Goatfish, Goatfish, Golden Banded Goatfish, Goldenstripe Goatfish, Goldstripe Goatfish, Red Goatfish, Red Weke, Yellowfin Goatfish, Yellowstripe Goatfish ( Mulloidichthys vanicolensis) is a widespread species that can be found in both shallow and deep waters, with a depth range extending from 1.0 to 113.0 meters. They are primarily found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region.

Taxonomy

The species Mulloidichthys vanicolensis belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Mulliformes, and Family: Mullidae. This means that it is classified as a bony fish, a member of the order that includes goatfishes, surmullets, and their relatives, and part of the family that encompasses all goatfishes.

Feeding

The Banded Goatfish, Flame Goatfish, Goatfish, Golden Banded Goatfish, Goldenstripe Goatfish, Goldstripe Goatfish, Red Goatfish, Red Weke, Yellowfin Goatfish, Yellowstripe Goatfish (Mulloidichthys vanicolensis) is an opportunistic feeder that primarily relies on a diet of invertebrates and worms. They use their barbels to sift through the sand and mud, searching for their prey.

Associated Species

Image References

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