Blog Post Twenty-Eight
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Goatfish belong to the family Mullidae. They are a tropical or sub-tropical species reaching between 12-24 inches in length. There are at least 65 different species of goatfish worldwide and 10 different species that are native to the Hawaiian reefs. The one in the image is Weke ‘a’a or yellowstripe goatfish.
Goatfish have two whisker like sensory barbels on their chin. The barbels are able to locate prey not only by touch but also by taste. They are used to dig, poke, and prod into the reef or sand to detect prey. When not in use, they tuck them under the sides of the bottom jaw. The goatfish enjoy eating worms, mullusks, crustaceans, small invertebrates, and even small fish. Once they locate the food, the fish will dive head first into the sand to root for it’s prey. They will inhale the prey as well as sand. They will swallow the food and expel the sand via their gill covers.
Not all goatfish have the same behaviors. Some are solitary and eat during the day. Others feed at night and prefer to hang out in larger schools during the day. They are capable of changing their coloration and camouflaging quickly. It is common to see the fish camouflaged while resting but quickly change its color when becoming active.