How to Identify Yellowfin goatfish

To identify Yellowfin goatfish (Mulloidichthys vanicolensis), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Body silvery-white to pinkish, often with a faint yellowish stripe along the lateral line. The most striking feature is the bright yellow coloration of the caudal fin, and often the dorsal and anal fins. Some individuals may display a reddish blotch on the operculum or a series of faint reddish spots along the flanks. During resting or at night, a series of dark blotches or bars may appear on the body.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

subterminal

Distinctive features

Pair of prominent, retractable barbels on the chin, used for foraging., Bright yellow caudal fin., Elongated, somewhat compressed body., 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 higher than the second.

Tail fin

Deeply forked, bright yellow.

Pectoral fin

Relatively short, clear to yellowish.

Distinctive fins

All fins, especially the caudal, are typically bright yellow, which is a key identifying feature.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Coloration

   Look for the silvery-white to pinkish body with distinct bright yellow caudal fin. Other fins (dorsal, anal) are also often yellow.

2. 2

   Barbels

   Observe the two prominent, fleshy barbels under the chin, which are characteristic of all goatfishes and used for sensing food.

3. 3

   Body Shape

   Note the elongated, somewhat cylindrical body shape, typical of the Mulloidichthys genus.

4. 4

   Dorsal Fins

   Identify the two distinct and widely separated dorsal fins.

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