Dash-and-Dot Goatfish (Parupeneus barberinus)
Fish in the family Mullidae. Moderate care. Not Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
Dash-and-Dot Goatfish are elongated fish with a white to pale orange body marked by distinctive dark horizontal stripes and yellow-orange coloring on the head and dorsal fin. They have a characteristic pair of long barbels under the chin used for foraging.
Diet and feeding
Small crustaceans, worms, frozen mysis, brine shrimp, and other meaty foods. Sifts sand for food.
Difficulty and care for the Dash-and-Dot Goatfish
Moderate difficulty. These goatfish require adequate space and substrate for foraging behavior, consistent water quality, and a varied diet. They may uproot plants and small corals while feeding.
Common health issues
Marine ich, Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder, Bacterial infections, Parasitic infestations
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Hawaiian Islands, typically found on coral reef slopes and sandy areas.
Keeper notes
Essential sand-sifter for larger tanks. Sifts sand for food. Will eat small fish and invertebrates.
Log Dash-and-Dot Goatfish in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Dash-and-Dot Goatfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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