Mulloidichthys ayliffe Uiblein, 2011
Indian mimic goatfish
Mulloidichthys ayliffe
photo by Field, R.

Family:  Mullidae (Goatfishes)
Max. size:  24.5 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 35 m
Distribution:  Indian Ocean: Arabian Sea, south to Seychelles, east coast of Africa to South Africa; east to Myanmar. Arabian region from western Gulf of Aden (Gulf of Tadjoura, Socotra Archipelago and Oman.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 7-7. Description: Body yellow with stripes three horizontal blue ending before caudal peduncle; fins yellow. Head length 3.2-3.6 in SL, length of snout 2.2.-2.4 and barbel 1.3-1.5 in HL. Body elongation moderate, depth 3.4-3.9 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits rocky reefs and coral areas. Mimics and aggregates with Lutjanus kasmira during the day. Disperses at night to feed.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 August 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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