Goatfish

Goatfish

Belonging to the Family Mullidae, Goatfish are interesting fish additions to a Marine Aquarium. These fish are mostly known as a delectable food item. Fresh Marine, one of the best online markets for aquarium products, offers several interesting species of Goatfish. However, prior to moving on to them, let us have a fundamental idea about the basic features of Goatfish.

Compatibility. Goatfish are generally compatible with the other tank mates. They can be kept in Reef Tank but with caution.

Habit & Habitat. Goatfish exist in groups in the Tropical Seas & Oceans, especially Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific. They inhabit the shallow water areas such as, Coral Reefs, Lagoons, Reef Slopes, Crevices, Drop Offs, Rocky Areas, and Rubble Areas. These fish are Diurnal in nature and profusely forage for food during the daytime, while mixing away at night with the other groups of fishes to settle down. Goatfish blend with the colors in their surroundings. In addition, they exhibit a change of color as per the activity too.

Morphology. Goatfish are moderately hardy creatures that look attractive due to their striking colors and Torpedo shaped body. Goatfish grow to a length of 6”. The mouth of Goatfish has two Barbles, which are flat at the chin. The fish use these Barbles to move the sand and forage for food.

Ideal Marine Aquarium Environment. Goldfish grow well in an aquarium with a temperature range of 72-78°F; the Specific Gravity of 1.020-1.025; and the pH level of water within 8.1-8.4. Goatfish should be preferably kept in a Fish Only Aquarium. Ensure that your tank has ample sandy substrate for Goatfish to dig in. These fish have a jumping tendency. Therefore, keep the aquarium covered with a lid. Your Aquarium Filter should be well in place and should work aggressively.

Aquarium Feeding. Goatfish are Carnivorous and actively feed in Benthic Zone, upon Worms, Crustaceans, Mollusks, & other small Invertebrates. Initially it all seems fine as your aquarium bugs are soon cleaned by Goatfish. However, once the bugs are over, the fish starts to feed on your aquatic pets. Therefore, a Fish Only Aquarium is the best bet for Goatfish. They require high quality protein based fresh or frozen meaty foods such as, Mysis Shrimp, Brine Shrimp, and Krill to name some. Feeding your Goatfish 2-3 times throughout the day siginificantly benefits them.

Aquarium Breeding. Goatfish are Pelagic Spawners. They release eggs into the water, which hatch later.

Care. Goatfish is moderately difficult to maintain and therefore only an expert aquarist should handle them.

Let us now look at some of the best selling Anthias options available at Fresh Marine in Small, Medium, and Large sizes.

Bicolor Goatfish (Parupeneus barberinoides). Also known as Hawaiian Goat Fish, Dash & Dot Goatfish, Half & Half Goatfish, and Swarthy-headed Goatfish, this Goatfish has a moderately elongated body. The Anterior end of this Goatfish is Burgundy in color with a pair of White Stripes, while the Posterior end is Yellow colored with a Black Dot. The middle portion of the body has a White band. The Head and the Tail of the Goatfish are marked in Blue color and the Caudal Fin is Pale Yellow in color with a broad lower end. Growing up to a maximum size of 9.8”, this Goatfish requires a minimum of 55 Gallons tank size.

Yellow Goatfish (Parupeneus cyclostomus). Also known as, Goldsaddle Goat Fish, this Goatfish has a Golden Yellow colored body with Blue marks on the Scales and a Yellow Spot behind the second Dorsal Fin. Growing up to a size of 20”, this Goldfish requires a minimum of 135 Gallons tank capacity.

Copyright © FreshMarine.com