Mullus auratus

Mullus auratus
Red Goatfish – Mullus auratus Photo Credit: NOAA Fisheries, Pascagoula Lab
FamilyScientific NameAuthorYearCommon Name
MullidaeMullus auratusJordan and Gilbert1882Red Goatfish

Mullus auratus

Unique Characters: No spine on opercle. Maxilla reaching to below anterior margin of eye. Teeth present on roof of mouth (on vomer and palatines). Spines in first dorsal fin 8, the first very small. No teeth in upper jaw. Interorbital space broad and flat. Red or reddish dorsally, with 2 distinct yellow stripes on side of body. No black bands in caudal fin.

Similar Species: Dwarf Goatfish Upeneus parvus. No spine on opercle. Maxilla reaching to below anterior margin of eye. Teeth present on roof of mouth (on vomer and palatines). Spines in first dorsal fin 7. Teeth present in both jaws. Interorbital space narrow and concave. Several yellow stripes on side of body. Lobes of caudal fin with oblique black bands.

Upeneus parvus
Dwarf Goatfish – Upeneus parvus

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