DIVE-SEEK field image · species photo unavailablefish · goatfish
Yellowfin goatfish
Mulloidichthys vanicolensis
Yellow-striped goatfish that rests in dense stationary schools by day.
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Quick facts
The Yellowfin goatfish (Mulloidichthys vanicolensis) is a marine species divers can encounter. Typical size: 20–30 cm. Usually seen at 5–25 m depth. Where to see it: Ras Mohammed (Red Sea), Aliwal Shoal, Palau and Komodo.
Summarised from DIVE-SEEK's recorded catalogue data; omitted values are not yet recorded.
Taxonomic rank
species
Typical size
20–30 cm (standard_length)
Maximum size
38 cm
Typical depth
5–25 m
Maximum depth
113 m
Conservation status
Research in progress
Photography difficulty
2 /5
Activity pattern
Nocturnal feeding.
Description
Conservation status not populated pending a verified Red List reading.
Habitat
Coral reef, lagoons and sand flats.
Behaviour
Rests in tight schools under ledges by day, disperses to probe sand with barbels at night.
Diet
Small invertebrates taken from sand.
Social behaviour
Dense day-resting schools.
Photography notes
Schools hold still, which is rare. Fill the frame with pattern rather than isolating individuals.
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Where to see it
Destinations
Encounter records link species to destinations only when a verified source supports them.
Provenance — each verified claim is linked to its source as records are published.