IntermediatePeacefulReef Safe with CautionIUCN: Least Concern
Dash-and-Dot Goatfish
Parupeneus barberinus
Family: Mullidae · Goatfish
Also known as: Dash-Dot Goatfish, Half-and-Half Goatfish, Barberinus Goatfish
(c) Raphael Forns, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Max Size
12"
Min Tank
125 gal
Lifespan
5-8 years
Origin
Indo-Pacific, Red Sea
Diet
Carnivore
Swims
Bottom
Did You Know?
- Goatfish can change color rapidly, turning from pale to dark red in seconds depending on their mood
- Their barbels contain taste receptors that help them detect buried prey invisible to the naked eye
- In Hawaii, goatfish (called weke) are highly prized as food fish and feature in traditional Hawaiian cuisine
About
The Dash-and-Dot Goatfish is one of the most commonly available goatfish species in the marine aquarium trade. It features a distinctive color pattern with a dark horizontal stripe running along the body, punctuated by a prominent black spot near the tail. Its long barbels, characteristic of all goatfish, are used to probe sand and rubble for buried invertebrate prey.
In the wild, these fish are active foragers found on sandy flats and reef slopes, often seen in small groups systematically sifting through substrate. Their constant foraging behavior makes them excellent sand-bed cleaners in the home aquarium, though this same behavior means they can be destructive to carefully arranged sand beds.
They are hardy and adaptable in captivity but grow to a substantial 12 inches, requiring a tank of at least 125 gallons. They are generally peaceful toward other fish but will eat small invertebrates and crustaceans. Their constant activity and interesting feeding behavior make them engaging aquarium inhabitants.
Feeding & Diet
Carnivore
An active bottom feeder that uses its barbels to locate prey in the sand. Feed frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, chopped seafood, and sinking carnivore pellets. They will also scavenge uneaten food from the substrate. Feed twice daily to keep up with their active metabolism.
Compatibility
bottom-feedersand-sifterinvertebrate-unsafeactive-swimmer
Generally peaceful toward other fish but will consume small invertebrates and crustaceans found in the substrate. Best kept with medium to large community fish. Their constant bottom-foraging may disturb burrowing fish like jawfish.
Check CompatibilityBreeding
Not bred in captivity
Goatfish spawn by releasing pelagic eggs into the water column. Captive breeding has not been achieved due to the difficulty of raising the tiny planktonic larvae.
Special Requirements
- Requires a deep sand bed for natural foraging behavior
- Will eat ornamental shrimp and small crustaceans
- Needs a tight-fitting lid as they can jump
- Active swimmer requiring open swimming space
Water Parameters
Temperature72–78°F
Specific Gravity1.02–1.025 sg
pH8.1–8.4
Alkalinity8–12 dKH
Coloration
whiteyellowblack stripeblack spot
Tags
bottom-feedersand-sifterinvertebrate-unsafeactive-swimmer
