| Family: |
Mullidae (Goatfishes) |
| Max. size: |
30 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 90 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Atlantic: Bermuda and New Jersey, USA to Santa Catarina, Brazil (Ref. 57756), including the Gulf of Mexico and throughout the Caribbean Sea (Ref. 9626). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 8-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-8. A series of three large blackish blotches on upper side of body beneath dorsal fins; color variable but usually pale, the scales of the back with reddish or yellowish brown edges and a central pale blue spot; diagonal light blue lines on head. Capable of displaying a pattern of large red blotches on head and body in less than a minute (Ref. 13442). |
| Biology: |
Inhabits shallow waters to depths of 90 m (Ref. 9626), especially over sand and rock bottoms in reef areas. Young juveniles often found on beds of seagrass, e.g. Thalassia. Feeds on small invertebrates (Ref. 9626). Flesh highly esteemed; marketed fresh and frozen (Ref. 3792). Traded as an aquarium fish at Ceará, Brazil (Ref. 49392). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 29 January 2013 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
reports of ciguatera poisoning |
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