GOATFISHES - MULLIDAE
General:
Barbels contain chemosensory organs and are used to probe the sand or holes in the reef for benthic invertebrates or small fish.
Many brightly colored.
Pelagic spawners. Up to 60 cm maximum length. Valued as food fish. Habitat: sand-associated, shallow habitats
Elongated body. Dorsal fins far apart. First dorsal fin with 6-8 spines; second dorsal with one spine and 8-9 soft rays, shorter than anal fin. Spines in anal fin 1 or 2, with 5-8 soft rays. Forked caudal fin. Vertebrae 24. Chin with 2 long barbels
Barbels contain chemosensory organs and are used to probe the sand or holes in the reef for benthic invertebrates or small fish.
Many brightly colored.
Pelagic spawners. Up to 60 cm maximum length. Valued as food fish. Habitat: sand-associated, shallow habitats
Elongated body. Dorsal fins far apart. First dorsal fin with 6-8 spines; second dorsal with one spine and 8-9 soft rays, shorter than anal fin. Spines in anal fin 1 or 2, with 5-8 soft rays. Forked caudal fin. Vertebrae 24. Chin with 2 long barbels
Etymology
Latin, mullus = soft
Latin, mullus = soft
