Bicolor Goatfish
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Like others in the family, this small goatfish needs plenty of swimming room. Scott W. Michael
Overview
This handsome species is one of the better goatfishes for the reef tank because of its smaller size. One beneficial behavior of this goatfish is that it will grub in the substrate and help stir up detritus that has collected there.
Family: Mullidae
Other common name(s):
- Half-and-half Goatfish
- Swarthyheaded Goatfish
Native range:
- Moluccas Islands
- Philippines
- Samoa
- Ryukyu Islands
- New Caledonia
- Tonga
- Caroline Islands
- Marshall Islands
Habitat: Found in protected waters such as bays or lagoons in the vicinity of coral reefs, or in deeper outer-reef areas. Inhabits mixed sand, rubble, and seaweed covered bottoms.
Maximum length: 25 cm (10 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 380 L (100 gal)
Water: Marine 24 °C (75 °F) - 28 °C (82 °F)
Feeding
Feed a varied diet of meaty foods, including chopped seafood, mysid shrimp, and frozen preparations. Will also feed on infaunal organisms in live sand. Live black worms may be useful in getting newly acquired individuals to start feeding. Young fish should be fed four or five times a day.
Aquarium Compatibility
It should be housed with nonaggressive tankmates. It will eat ornamental crustaceans.
Notes
This species may become progressively thinner in captivity, even if well fed, often because of intestinal worm infections. Longevity records for this species vary greatly.