Freckled goatfish
Upeneus tragula
Spotted Goatfish
Pseudupeneus maculatus
About
The spotted goatfish is a western Atlantic reef fish that grows to about 30 cm, though most seen are closer to 22 cm. It can shift its colours almost on cue, making it one of the more changeable faces on the reef.
- Length
- 22 cm · max 30 cm
- Depth
- 0–35 m
How to tell it apart
Several goatfish share a similar pale, scaled look. The row of three dark blotches along the back under the dorsal fins is the mark to look for on this species.
Appearance
Its base colour is usually pale, with the scales on its back edged in reddish or yellowish brown and a small pale blue spot at the centre of each. Diagonal light blue lines cross the head, and three large blackish blotches sit along the upper body, beneath the dorsal fins.
Did you know?
A spotted goatfish can switch to a bold pattern of large red blotches over its head and body very quickly, then fade back again.
Log it in Into the Blue
Describe what you saw and we name it, then keep every species you find in your Oceandex.
