Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body elongate, slightly laterally compressed, head slightly concave with pointed snout; mouth slightly inferior; color variable, from red to orange to mottled red and white, scale edges reddish or yellowish with pale interiors, light blue diagonal lines on head; three (usually) dark blotches on upper body, 1 behind operculum, other 2 below dorsal fins; 2 dorsal fins; pair of long barbels on tip of lower jaw which fold into grooves on chin; mouth small, does not reach vertical of anterior eye orbit; tail forked; small spine on opercular margin. |
Similar Species |
Beardfishes have chin barbels also, but the barbels are located behind the tip of the lower jaw. Beardfishes also have 1 dorsal fin. Goatfishes have 2. The dark blotches on its sides help distinguish the spotted goatfish from other goatfishes. |
Habitat |
Gulf, sandy or rocky bottoms near reefs, |
Maximum Size |
30 cm (12 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. VIII (1st very small)+I,8; A. II,6 (explain) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
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State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |