Home > Fishes > Goatfishes > Upeneus taeniopterus

Updated 12/4/2018

Family Mullidae

INDO-WEST PACIFIC

Upeneus taeniopterus

Hanauma Bay, Oahu, 4 feet

 

Kahe Point, Oahu, 25 feet

Waimea Bay, Oahu, 15 feet

BANDTAIL GOATFISH     weke pueo

Small groups are locally common in muddy bays and harbors where it feeds upon invertebrates.  Silver with a blunt head, two brown stripes, and alternating black and white bands on the tail and second dorsal fin.  Known locally as the Nightmare weke because eating the head or guts often causes severe hallucinations.  Attains 12 inches.  Formerly known as Upeneus arge.  East Africa to French Polynesia & Hawai'i.