Parupeneus spilurus (Bleeker, 1854) Blackspot goatfish |
photo by
Randall, J.E. |
Family: | Mullidae (Goatfishes) | |||
Max. size: | 50 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
Environment: | reef-associated; brackish; marine; depth range 10 - 80 m | |||
Distribution: | Western Pacific: Japan to Western Australia, New Caledonia and northern New Zealand. Recently reported from Tonga (Ref. 53797). | |||
Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 7-7. Description: Head and body broadly striped. Caudal peduncle with black spot on upper sides with yellow area in front (Ref. 48636). Head length 2.9-2.3 in SL, length of snout 1.8.-2.3 and barbel 1.3-1.7 in HL; body depth 3.1-3.5 in SL (Ref. 90102). | |||
Biology: | Inhabits coastal reefs and estuaries (Ref. 9002); in Indonesia mainly found on deep reefs adjacent to strong currents (Ref. 90102). Juveniles found in small schools; adults singly or in small aggregations (Ref. 9002, 48636). May also be solitary. It is rare in the East Indian region, and found only in cool areas of upwelling; but is common in subtropical latitudes (Ref. 90102). | |||
IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 11 March 2015 Ref. (130435) | |||
Threat to humans: | harmless |