Bait goatfish Mulloidichthys flavolineatus
Category
- Fringing Reef
Description
Mulloidichthys flavolineatus, of the order of Perciformes and family of Mullidae (Goatfishes) is commonly known as the Yellow-striped Goatfish, Goatfish, Pallid goatfish, Samoan goatfish, Sand weke, Slender goldband goatfish, Square-spot goatfish, White goatfish, White weke and Yellow-lined goatfish. It has a total of 8 dorsal spines, 9 dorsal soft rays, 1 anal spine and 7 anal soft rays. The back is grey to olive color while the belly is whitish. There are 1 to 2 longitudinal yellow bands and a dark blotch below the first dorsal fin. There is a yellow mid lateral stripe from the eye that extends to the tail. Some yellow stripes are also found on the cheek and along the abdomen.[1].
[1] ‘Mulloidichthys Flavolineatus Summary Page’.
Habitat and ecology
This species is present across the Indo-Pacific region. The recorded depth range is between 1 to 97m. it is found in shallow sandy areas of lagoon and seaward reefs. Adults are usually solitary on sand slopes. Their diet consists of crustaceans, molluscs, worms, sea urchins and foraminiferans.
Conservation and management
According to the IUCN Red list, this species is categorized as being of ‘Least Concern’. It is collected for consumption but there are no recorded impacts on global population. No conservation measures are in place for this species. It is present in many MPAs though[1].
Did you know?
This species can reach a maximum recorded length of 43cm.
