Mullidae
The Mullidae is a family of marine fish commonly known as goatfishes. They are characterized by their distinctive long, barbel-like sensory organs extending from their chins, which they use to detect food in the seabed. Goatfishes are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, inhabiting both coastal and offshore environments.
Characteristics
Mullidae are typically small to medium-sized fish, ranging in length from 15 to 70 centimeters. They have elongated, slightly compressed bodies with two dorsal fins, the first of which has spines. Their scales are small and ctenoid (rough and comb-like). The most distinctive feature of goatfishes is their pair of long, fleshy barbels, which are located on their lower jaw. These barbels are covered in taste buds and are used to detect food buried in the sand or mud.
Environments
Goatfishes are primarily bottom-dwelling fish, spending most of their time foraging for food on the seabed. They are often found in groups, particularly around reefs, seagrass beds, and sandy bottoms. Their diet consists mainly of small invertebrates such as crustaceans, worms, and mollusks, which they locate using their barbels.
Common Names
Goatfishes are known by a variety of common names, including:
- Goatfish
- Surmullets
- Red mullets
- Salemas