Goatfishes

Gold-saddle goatfish (Parupeneus cyclostomus)

The Gold-saddle goatfish (Parupeneus cyclostomus) belongs to the family Mullidae (goatfishes) and is found in the Red Sea, with a wider Indo-Pacific range. It is a carnivore and usually seen in groups or alone. It reaches about 35 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.

Gold-saddle goatfish (Parupeneus cyclostomus), a Red Sea fish of the goatfishes family
Photo: iNaturalist / Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Scientific nameParupeneus cyclostomus
FamilyGoatfishes (Mullidae)
Common name (IT)Triglia dal muso giallo
Common name (EN)Gold-saddle goatfish
Maximum size35 cm
Depth1–50 m
DistributionRed Sea and Indo-Pacific
IUCN statusLC — Least Concern

Description

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

Where it lives

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

  • Red Sea
  • Indo-Pacific

Frequently asked questions

What family does the Gold-saddle goatfish belong to?
The Gold-saddle goatfish (Parupeneus cyclostomus) belongs to the family Mullidae (goatfishes).
Is the Gold-saddle goatfish dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Gold-saddle goatfish endemic to the Red Sea?
No — it occurs in the Red Sea but its range extends across the Indo-Pacific.
How big does the Gold-saddle goatfish get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 35 cm.

Explore the Gold-saddle goatfish in 3D in the interactive atlas →