How to Identify Yellowstripe Goatfish

To identify Yellowstripe Goatfish (Mulloides flavolineatus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

The body is silvery-white to pale pinkish-white dorsally, fading to white ventrally. A prominent bright yellow to golden-yellow stripe runs from the snout through the eye to the caudal fin base. The fins are typically translucent to yellowish, with the caudal fin often having a more pronounced yellow hue. Some individuals may exhibit faint reddish blotches or bars, especially when stressed or at night.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

subterminal

Distinctive features

Two long, prominent, chemosensory barbels on the chin, used for probing the substrate., A distinct bright yellow longitudinal stripe along the lateral line., Two widely separated dorsal fins.

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins; the first with 8 spines, the second with 1 spine and 8 soft rays. The first dorsal fin is typically taller than the second.

Tail fin

Forked caudal fin, often yellowish.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are relatively short, with 16-17 rays.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are thoracic, located beneath the pectoral fins, with 1 spine and 5 soft rays. Anal fin has 1 spine and 6-7 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Yellow Stripe

   The most definitive feature is the bright yellow to golden-yellow stripe running horizontally along the side of the body, from the snout to the caudal fin base.

2. 2

   Barbels

   Observe the two long, prominent barbels extending from the chin, which are characteristic of all goatfish species and used for foraging.

3. 3

   Dorsal Fins

   Note the presence of two distinct dorsal fins, with the first being spiny and generally taller than the second soft-rayed dorsal fin.

4. 4

   Body Shape

   Its elongated, somewhat compressed body shape is typical for the genus Mulloides.

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