Bicolor Goatfish (Bleeker, 1852)

 Scientific Name  Parupeneus barberinoides
 Diet  Carnivore - Requires frequent daily feeding
 Alt Common Name  Dash and Dot Goatfish, Half and half goatfish, Swarthy-headed goatfish
 Family  Mullidae
 Origin  Indian and Pacific Oceans
 Aquarist Level  Intermediate
 Reef Safe  Not recommended
 Coloration  Reddish purple with white and yellow markings
 Disposition  Peaceful
 Hardiness  Moderate
 Compatibility  Peaceful with own species. Peaceful with other families.
 Mature Size  10 inches
 Sexual Dimorphism  Not visible
 Venomous  No

Recommended Supplements

Notes:  Goatfish enjoy a sandy bottom where they can use their barbels to probe through the substrate in search of food.  This searching behavior keeps the sand bed sifted and free of anaerobic pockets.  These fish form schools in the wild and have been reported to do so in large home aquariums as well.