Kingdom Animalia Order Perciformes Genus Parupeneus Higher classification Parupeneus Found in Red Sea | Phylum Chordata Family Mullidae Scientific name Parupeneus cyclostomus Rank Species | |
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Similar Parupeneus, Goatfish, Dash‑and‑dot goatfish, Mulloidichthys, Yellowfin goatfish | ||
The goldsaddle goatfish or yellowsaddle goatfish, Parupeneus cyclostomus, is a species of goatfish native to the Indo-Pacific. It is a commercially important species, as well as being sought out as a game fish, though it has been reported as carrying the ciguatera toxin. It can also be found in the aquarium trade.
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Description
This fish is usually colored yellow with a bluish sheen to the dorsal part, but with a golden yellow variant. It can reach 50 cm (20 in) in total length, though most do not exceed 35 cm (14 in).
Habitat and distribution
It occurs solitarily or in groups, in all areas of the coral reefs and detrital bottom area from 1 to 95 m deep. It uses its barbels to probe holes and force out prey.
It is found in the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea to South Africa, the Hawaiian Islands, and the Ryukyu Islands.
Synonyms
Several other names have been applied to this species that have been subsequently determined to be junior synonyms:
