Common name: forsskâl's goatfish
General information
Forsskal's Goatfish, scientifically known as Parupeneus forsskali, is a vibrant and active species popular among saltwater aquarium enthusiasts. This species is recognized for its distinctive coloration, with a white body, yellow stripe along the side, and a black mark on the caudal peduncle. They are named after the Swedish naturalist Peter Forsskål who explored the Red Sea region.
Goatfish are known for their pair of chin barbels, which they use to sift through the substrate in search of food. These barbels are sensory organs that help them detect invertebrates hidden in the sand.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 22 cm (9″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs hiding places and sand bed
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys mysis, brine shrimp, and meaty foods
- Social
- Solo Can be territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May chase smaller fish
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGoatfishMullidae
- GenusGoatfishParupeneus
- Speciesforsskâl's goatfishParupeneus forsskali (Fourmanoir & Guézé, 1976)
- SynonymsMulloides auriflamma (Forsskål, 1775)Mulloidichthys auriflamma (Forsskål, 1775)Mulloidichtys auriflamma (Forsskål, 1775)Mullus auriflamma Forsskål, 1775Pseudupeneus forsskali Fourmanoir & Guézé, 1976
Care
Forsskal's Goatfish require a spacious tank with a sandy bottom to mimic their natural habitat. They are active swimmers and need plenty of room to forage. A tank with live rock formations will provide additional hiding places and mimic the reef environment they are accustomed to.
They are not picky eaters and will accept a variety of meaty foods including frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and other prepared foods suitable for carnivores. It's important to feed them multiple times a day due to their active foraging behavior.
Reproduction
In the wild, Forsskal's Goatfish are known to spawn in groups, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column. However, breeding them in captivity is quite challenging and not commonly done in home aquariums.
Habitat
The natural habitat of Forsskal's Goatfish includes coral reefs and sandy areas in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. They are typically found at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters, where they actively search the substrate for food.
Their geographical distribution is primarily in the Western Indian Ocean, particularly around the Red Sea and East Africa.