Yellowfin Goatfish

The yellowfin goatfish (Mulloidichthys vanicolensis) is a species native to the 🌊 Indian Ocean and the 🌊 Pacific Ocean. It can grow up to a maximum length of 38 cm (15 in). Its back has a red-orange color, while the flanks and belly are whitish, and the fins are yellow. A distinctive characteristic is a yellow longitudinal band on its sides. These fish primarily feed on crustaceans or worms during the night and form large groups during the day.

This species of goatfish is widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the 🌊 Red Sea to Hawaii (🇺🇸 United States) and the Tuamotu (🇵🇫 French Polynesia)s. It can also be found as far north as 🇯🇵 Japan and as far south as Lord Howe Island. The yellowfin goatfish is commonly associated with coral reefs and can be found in lagoons and seaward reefs at depths ranging from 1–113 m (3.3–370.7 ft).

In terms of parasites, the yellowfin goatfish has been reported to host two genera of monogenean gill parasites, namely Volsellituba and Pennulituba. These parasites consist of five different species, including Volsellituba orchidea, Volsellituba nabla, Volsellituba elephantina, Pennulituba piratifalx, and Pennulituba cymansis. It is worth noting that these parasites were exclusively found on the yellowfin goatfish off 🇳🇨 New Caledonia (🇫🇷 Overseas France), suggesting a specific host-parasite relationship. Additionally, the yellowfin goatfish may also harbor the apocreadiid digenean Homalometron moraveci in its intestine.