Yellowstripe Goatfish

Mulloidichthys flavolineatus is a species of the goatfish family (Mullidae) widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region.

Description

It has an elongated, slender body, typically measuring 20–30 cm in length, with some individuals growing up to 40 cm. The body is silvery-white or pale yellow, with a distinctive bright yellow stripe running along the sides from the head to the tail fin. The head is slightly pointed, with large eyes and characteristic paired barbels on the chin, which the fish uses to search for food on sandy bottoms. The fins are translucent or slightly yellow, and the tail fin is forked, aiding in speed and maneuverability.

Mulloidichthys flavolineatus may sometimes have a dark blotch on the median lateral stripe. The similar Yellowfin Goatfish (Mulloidichthys vanicolensis) always lacks it.

Distribution

Indo-Pacific from Persian Gulf, Red Sea and East Africa to the Hawaiian, Marquesan, and Ducie islands, north to the Ryukyu and Bonin Islands, south to Lord Howe and Rapa Islands.

Habitat

It inhabits tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, including coral reefs, lagoons, and sandy areas at depths ranging from 1 to 50 meters. It is often seen near reefs, where it forms large schools.

It feeds primarily on small invertebrates, such as crustaceans, mollusks, and worms, which it finds by foraging on the sandy bottom with its barbels.