Upeneichthys vlamingii (Cuvier, 1829)
Blue-spotted goatfish
Upeneichthys vlamingii
photo by Danna, P.

Family:  Mullidae (Goatfishes)
Max. size:  35 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 1 - 100 m
Distribution:  Eastern Indian Ocean: southern Australia. This species has often been confused with Upeneichthys lineatus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) occurring in the eastern coast of Australia (Ref. 33839).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-8; Anal spines: 1-2; Anal soft rays: 6-6. Color extremely variable, dependent on time of day, sex and degree of excitement (Ref. 33839).
Biology:  Inhabits shallow sandy coastal waters (Ref. 33839); also rocky estuaries (Ref. 9002). Forms schools (Ref. 9002). Good food fish (Ref. 33839).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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