Parupeneus spilurus (Bleeker, 1854)
Blackspot goatfish
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Mullidae (Goatfishes)
Max. size:  50 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; brackish; marine; depth range 10 - 80 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Japan to Western Australia, New Caledonia and northern New Zealand. Recently reported from Tonga (Ref. 53797).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 7-7. Description: Head and body broadly striped. Caudal peduncle with black spot on upper sides with yellow area in front (Ref. 48636). Head length 2.9-2.3 in SL, length of snout 1.8.-2.3 and barbel 1.3-1.7 in HL; body depth 3.1-3.5 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits coastal reefs and estuaries (Ref. 9002); in Indonesia mainly found on deep reefs adjacent to strong currents (Ref. 90102). Juveniles found in small schools; adults singly or in small aggregations (Ref. 9002, 48636). May also be solitary. It is rare in the East Indian region, and found only in cool areas of upwelling; but is common in subtropical latitudes (Ref. 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 11 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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