Some people say it’s not a very pretty sounding name—Mullidae—but the mullids are actually great fishes that are too often ignored by both the beginning and the seasoned aquarists. While the family name for the goatfishes originates from the Latin word for “soft,” these fishes make hardy additions to the saltwater aquarium. There are currently six genera and more than 50 species including a fish that many people have at least heard of: the mullet. No not the haircut—the fish.
Mullids can be found around the world in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. They sometimes are in brackish waters but most are full-blown marine fishes. The ones offered in the aquarium trade are brightly colored and do a great job of maintaining a sand bed as they use their characteristic chin-mounted barbells to seek out tasty morsels.
While there are goatfishes from a couple genera commonly offered in the trade, it is the genus Parupeneus that is endorsed in this article. The species in this genus are generally considered peaceful, reef-compatible (with caution) fishes. These smaller species (like the very attractive Bicolor Goatfish) need to have an aquarium of larger than 50 gallons, while the large ones need an aquarium in excess of 125 gallons. Make sure they have plenty of swimming room and a sand bed. They do like frequent feedings (up to three times a day), but in return they will keep the sand bed pristine, eating anything that is missed by other livestock. They also will eat small invertebrates and worms in the substrate.
So you think you want a goat in your aquarium? Here are three species you might consider trying. The first two are appropriate for an aquarium as small as 50 gallons, while the third should only be kept in an aquarium of 125 gallons or larger.
Bicolor Goatfish (Parupeneus barberinoides)
This Indo-Pacific fish is a real crowd-pleaser and will make an active and colorful addition to an aquarium of 50 gallons or larger. Growing to about a foot in length, the Bicolor Goatfish (also called the Half-and-Half Goatfish, the Dash and Dot or the Swarthy-headed Goatfish) will keep your sand bed clean, although it might go after smaller invertebrates in a reef tank. This is a truly gorgeous fish that can be obtained for between $20 and $60 each depending upon size.
Manybar Goatfish (Parupeneus multifasciatus)
The Manybar Goatfish (commonly called the Red Goatfish) also grows to about a foot and will require an aquarium of at least 50 gallons. Rarer than the Bicolor Goatfish, the Manybar Goatfish often fetches a significantly higher price, but it is certainly a fish worth considering given its general hardiness, active nature and unique appearance. Plan to spend at least $50, even for a small Manybar Goatfish.
Yellow Goatfish (Parupeneus cyclostomus)
The Yellow Goatfish, also called the Yellow Saddle Goatfish, grows to a whopping twenty inches, but if you have a 125-gallon aquarium with a sand bed and plenty of swimming room, you may want to consider this gorgeous fish. Like the two previous species, this is a peaceful Indo-Pacific fish that will bring your aquarium to life, although you may have to upgrade him to a 150-gallon or larger aquarium when he grows up. Plan to spend anywhere from $20 to $75 for this beautiful fish.
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