Page 126 - Invasive_Species_2013

Mediterranean invasive species factsheet

FISHES

Reproduction Common name: Goldband goatfish

8 spines
identification Head round and Yellow stripe
pointed

Scientific Name:
Upeneus moluccensis
Picture

Brief history Tail fin forked

Key identifying features
This is a medium-sized fish up to 20 cm in length
(commonly 7–18 cm) with an elongated, moderately
compressed body. It has a rounded snout with two
short, thin barbels. Two well-separated dorsal fins are
present; the first of them has 8 spines (the first spine
Field identification signs and habitat
is minute and the second spine is the largest), while
The goldband goatfish is found in coastal waters with
the second fin has 8–9 soft rays, directly above the
muddy and sandy substrates at depths of 20-130 m,
anal fin (which has 1 spine and 6–8 soft rays).
where it forms large schools. It usually swims fast,
Between the two dorsal fins there are 5–7 scales.
stopping briefly to feed on benthic animals detected
The tail fin is deeply forked, the upper lobe marked
by the barbels on its chin.
with diagonal black bars.
The dorsal colour is pinkish-red, and the belly is Reproduction
white. A distinct longitudinal yellow stripe runs from The spawning season extends from the end of July
the eye to the tail. to October.

Upeneus moluccensis. Photo: B. Galil Upeneus moluccensis. Photo: P. Consoli

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