How to Identify Blackspot Goatfish

To identify Blackspot Goatfish (Parupeneus spilurus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Body typically whitish to pale pink or reddish dorsally, fading to white ventrally. Often has a series of faint reddish or yellowish stripes along the flanks. A prominent, dark black spot is present on the caudal peduncle, just anterior to the caudal fin base. Fins are generally translucent or yellowish.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

subterminal

Distinctive features

Two long, chemosensory barbels on the chin, used for foraging., A distinct black spot on the caudal peduncle., Two widely separated dorsal fins.

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins; the first with 8 spines, the second with 1 spine and 8 soft rays.

Tail fin

Forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are relatively short.

Distinctive fins

The first dorsal fin is typically higher than the second.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Caudal Peduncle Spot

   The most reliable identifying feature is the prominent, dark black spot located on the caudal peduncle, just before the tail fin.

2. 2

   Barbels

   Like all goatfish, it possesses two long, fleshy barbels on its chin, which it uses to probe the substrate for food.

3. 3

   Body Coloration

   Observe the overall body color, which is typically pale with faint reddish or yellowish longitudinal stripes, distinguishing it from more brightly colored goatfish species.

4. 4

   Dorsal Fins

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

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