Pseudupeneus maculatus (Bloch, 1793)
Spotted goatfish
Pseudupeneus maculatus
photo by Patzner, R.

Family:  Mullidae (Goatfishes)
Max. size:  30 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 90 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: Bermuda and New Jersey, USA to Santa Catarina, Brazil (Ref. 57756), including the Gulf of Mexico and throughout the Caribbean Sea (Ref. 9626).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-8. A series of three large blackish blotches on upper side of body beneath dorsal fins; color variable but usually pale, the scales of the back with reddish or yellowish brown edges and a central pale blue spot; diagonal light blue lines on head. Capable of displaying a pattern of large red blotches on head and body in less than a minute (Ref. 13442).
Biology:  Inhabits shallow waters to depths of 90 m (Ref. 9626), especially over sand and rock bottoms in reef areas. Young juveniles often found on beds of seagrass, e.g. Thalassia. Feeds on small invertebrates (Ref. 9626). Flesh highly esteemed; marketed fresh and frozen (Ref. 3792). Traded as an aquarium fish at CearĂ¡, Brazil (Ref. 49392).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 29 January 2013 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  reports of ciguatera poisoning


Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.