Animal Species:Goldstripe Goatfish, Mulloidichthys vanicolensis (Valenciennes, 1831)

The Goldstripe Goatfish can be recognised by the barbels on its chin and colouration. It is found widely in tropical marine waters of the Indo-Pacific.

Goldstripe Goatfish at 'Temple of Doom'

Goldstripe Goatfish at 'Temple of Doom'
Erik Schlögl © Erik Schlögl

Alternative Name/s

Banded Goatfish, Yellowfin Goatfish, Yellowstripe Goatfish

Identification

The Goldstripe Goatfish can be recognised by the barbels on its chin and colouration. It is white to pale pink with a blue-margined yellow stripe from the eye to the caudal peduncle. All the median fins and pelvic fins are yellow.

Size range

The species grows to 38 cm in length.

Distribution

The Goldstripe Goatfish is found widely in tropical marine waters of the Indo-Pacific. In Australia it is recorded from most tropical waters and down the east coast to central New South Wales.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums.  Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Mulloidichthys vanicolensis

Distribution by collection data

Ozcam map of Goldstripe Goatfish specimens in the Australian Museum.

What does this mean?

Feeding and Diet

The species usually feeds solitary at night.

Other behaviours and adaptations

It is usually seen in aggregations during the day.

Classification

Species:
vanicolensis
Genus:
Mulloidichthys
Family:
Mullidae
Order:
Perciformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

References

  1. Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
  2. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
  3. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  4. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
  5. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:

Tags Fishes, Ichthyology, Goldstripe Goatfish, Mulloidichthys vanicolensis, Mullidae, Banded Goatfish, Yellowfin Goatfish, Yellowstripe Goatfish, pale pink, blue-margined yellow stripe, 30 cm - 1 m, Indo-Pacific, feeds at night,