Common name: Pearly goatfish

General information

The Red Sea Goatfish, also known as the Dash-and-dot Goatfish or Yellow Saddle Goatfish, is a striking species that adds both color and activity to a marine aquarium. Its scientific name is Parupeneus margaritatus, and it belongs to the family Mullidae. This species is easily recognized by its yellow body with a distinctive dash-and-dot pattern and a pair of long, whisker-like barbels under its chin, which it uses to probe the sand for food.

Care

Caring for the Red Sea Goatfish requires an aquarium with a sandy bottom where it can exhibit its natural behavior of sifting through the substrate. A tank of at least 200 liters is recommended to provide ample space for swimming. They are generally peaceful but can be territorial with their own kind, so it's best to keep only one per tank unless it's a very large system. They accept a variety of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood.

Reproduction

In the wild, Red Sea Goatfish are known to form spawning aggregations, but breeding them in captivity is quite challenging. There are no distinct sexual dimorphisms, and little is known about their reproductive habits in home aquariums.

Habitat

Parupeneus margaritatus is found in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. They prefer reef-associated environments, often seen at depths ranging from 2 to 30 meters. In the wild, they are active during the day, foraging over sandy bottoms and reef slopes.