Common name: Indian goatfish
General information
The Indian Goatfish, Parupeneus indicus, is a colorful and active species that adds both beauty and intrigue to a saltwater aquarium. Known for their distinctive pair of chin barbels, which they use to sift through the substrate in search of food, these fish are a delight to observe. Their body is primarily white with a striking yellow saddle just behind the head, and they can grow up to 30 centimeters in length.
Details
- Recommended minimum 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 Adapts well to aquarium life
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys mysis, brine shrimp
- Social
- Solo Can be territorial
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May chase smaller fish
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGoatfishMullidae
- GenusGoatfishParupeneus
- SpeciesIndian goatfishParupeneus indicus (Shaw, 1803)
- SynonymsMullus indicus Shaw, 1803Mullus russelii Cuvier, 1829Parupenaeus indicus (Shaw, 1803)Parupeneus malabaricus (Cuvier, 1829)Pseudupeneus indicus (Shaw, 1803)Upeneus griseofrenatus Kner, 1868Upeneus malabaricus Cuvier, 1829Upeneus waigiensis Cuvier, 1829
Care
Indian Goatfish are relatively hardy and can adapt to a variety of tank conditions, but they do best in larger aquariums that provide plenty of space for swimming and a sandy substrate for foraging. They are not reef safe, as they tend to disturb the substrate and may uproot or damage corals and other invertebrates while searching for food. A diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and marine fish flesh will keep them healthy and vibrant.
Reproduction
In the wild, Parupeneus indicus spawns at dusk in large aggregations, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but providing a stress-free environment with plenty of hiding places can encourage spawning behavior.
Habitat
Native to the Indo-Pacific region, Indian Goatfish are found in a variety of habitats including coral reefs, sandy bottoms, and seagrass beds. They are typically seen at depths ranging from 1 to 70 meters, often in small groups or solitary.