ANIMAL SPECIES:Blacksaddle Goatfish, Parupeneus spilurus (Bleeker, 1854)
Blacksaddle Goatfish are commonly seen by divers in shallow water of coastal New South Wales.
Alternative Name/s
Black-spot GoatfishIdentification
The Blacksaddle Goatfish can be recognised by its colouration and pattern. It has two dark stripes along the sides of the body, and a large black spot on the upper caudal peduncle. Juveniles are more slender than adults. They have the same striped pattern but are more strongly tinged with yellow.
The species is listed in many popular fish books as Parupeneus signatus (Günther, 1867).
Size range
47 cmDistribution
The species has an antitropical distribution (it is found in the temperate zones of the northern and southern hemisphere, but not in the tropics) being recorded from Japan, New Caledonia, New Zealand and Australia. In Australia, this species is recorded from the east coast, from central Queensland south to Bass Strait, and on the west coast, from central to south-western Western Australia.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Blacksaddle Goatfish specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
Blacksaddle Goatfish live in coastal reefs and estuaries.
Behaviour and adaptations
Other behaviours and adaptations
The species is usually seen as single individuals or in small schools.
Classification
- Species:
- spilurus
- Genus:
- Parupeneus
- Family:
- Mullidae
- Order:
- Perciformes
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Crawford House Press. Pp. 437.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
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Common Cleanerfish cleaning the gills of a Blacksaddle Goatfish View full size
Ian Shaw
© Ian Shaw
A Blacksaddle Goatfish at South Solitary Island View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
Blacksaddle Goatfish and cleaner shrimp View full size
David & Leanne Atkinson
© David & Leanne Atkinson
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