Goldsaddle Goatfish

Parupeneus cyclostomus, commonly referred to as the gold-saddle goatfish, blue goatfish, or yellowsaddle goatfish, is a species of goatfish native to the Indo-Pacific region. This species holds commercial significance and is also targeted for recreational fishing. However, it is important to note that it has been reported to carry the ciguatera toxin. Additionally, Parupeneus cyclostomus is available within the aquarium trade.

Typically, this species exhibits a coloration of yellow with a bluish sheen on the dorsal side, though a golden yellow variant exists. It can attain a total length of up to 50 cm (20 inches), although the majority of individuals do not exceed 35 cm (14 inches).

Parupeneus cyclostomus is commonly found either solitarily or in groups across all areas of coral reefs and detrital bottom zones, ranging from depths of 1 to 95 meters. Utilizing its barbels, the species probes holes and extracts prey. Geographically, it inhabits a wide range extending from the 🌊 Red Sea to 🇿🇦 South Africa, the Hawaiian Islands, and the Ryukyu Islands (🇯🇵 Japan).