Goatfishes are characterized by a streamlined body with two dorsal fins, a forked tail, slightly inferior mouth suited for bottom-feeding, and a pair of chin whiskers called barbels.  These barbels are used to actively probe, excavate, and detect hidden invertebrates and small fish.  They tend to occur in small groups or aggregations for safety and move quickly when disturbed.  Most species are capable of changing color rapidly and often assume a mottled or barred pattern at night.  Goatfishes are commercially important because their flesh tastes like shrimp and red fish are a symbol of good luck to Asian cultures.

WHITESADDLE GOATFISH

YELLOWBARBEL GOATFISH

YELLOWSTRIPE GOATFISH

YELLOWFIN GOATFISH

BANDTAIL GOATFISH

PFLUEGER'S or ORANGE GOATFISH

MANYBAR GOATFISH

DOUBLEBAR GOATFISH

SIDESPOT GOATFISH

BLUE GOATFISH

DASH-DOT GOATFISH

INDIAN GOATFISH  

BICOLOR GOATFISH

THICKLIPPED GOATFISH

BLUE GOATFISH

WHITESADDLE GOATFISH

FRECKLED GOATFISH

JAPANESE GOATFISH   Himeji

BLUESTRIPED GOATFISH

MEXICAN GOATFISH

SPOTTED GOATFISH

YELLOW GOATFISH