General Description

Body moderately long, compressed, dorsal profile steep in front of dorsal fin; snout long, mouth small with fleshy lips, jaws not reaching below front of eye, chin with a pair of prominent sensory barbels. Colour highly variable, from overall greyish-cream, pale greenish, or pinkish to orange-red; some individuals with a reddish to blackish stripe from snout, through the eye to tail base; others with blue lines and spots. Individuals can rapidly change colour. Usually 18 cm long head to tail tip (up to 30 cm).

Biology

Bluespotted Goatfish are frequently seen probing the bottom with their distinctive chin barbels, literally smelling or tasting for signs of food. The colour pattern of this species is highly variable from juveniles to adults, and a single individual may change colour pattern depending on threats and the time of day.

Distribution

Southern Australia.

Habitat

Shallow sandy areas often near rock and weed in coastal waters and bays, to depths of 40 m.

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