denise
08-12-2008, 04:56 PM
Goatfish get their common name from the two whiskered barbels below their mouth, used to excavate, dislodge and taste the bottom for anything edible. Like goats, they seek anything edible, they are energetic and tireless bottom feeders, feasting on a range of invertebrates and small fish. There are 65 or so species of goatfish in the world, 5 are common in Florida.
http://www.scubadiver.cc/fishid/spottedgoatfishrob_1.jpg
Spotted goatfish, Pseudupeneus maculatus, Pompano Beach
Photo by Robert Palmer
Most goatfishes are nocturnal, they are at their most active during the dark hours, where they forage through sandy beds and reefs. Other nocturnal feeders often closely follow active goatfish, patiently waiting for any overlooked food. Goatfish generally stay in shallow water (<100 feet). During the day time hours, goatfish rest, forming inactive (non-feeding) schools, and have the ability to dramatically change coloration depending on their activities.
http://www.scubadiver.cc/fishid/spottedgoatfish.jpg
Spotted goatfish, Lantana Beach.
This species is quite common around Florida.
The spotted goatfish rapidly and dramatically changes color from white to blotched and mottled red to reddish-brown when they become inactive. this individual above is resting on the bottom.
http://www.divetraining.net/pictures/2011_june_11/DSC01240.jpg
http://www.scubadiver.cc/fishid/spottedgoatfishrob_1.jpg
Spotted goatfish, Pseudupeneus maculatus, Pompano Beach
Photo by Robert Palmer
Most goatfishes are nocturnal, they are at their most active during the dark hours, where they forage through sandy beds and reefs. Other nocturnal feeders often closely follow active goatfish, patiently waiting for any overlooked food. Goatfish generally stay in shallow water (<100 feet). During the day time hours, goatfish rest, forming inactive (non-feeding) schools, and have the ability to dramatically change coloration depending on their activities.
http://www.scubadiver.cc/fishid/spottedgoatfish.jpg
Spotted goatfish, Lantana Beach.
This species is quite common around Florida.
The spotted goatfish rapidly and dramatically changes color from white to blotched and mottled red to reddish-brown when they become inactive. this individual above is resting on the bottom.
http://www.divetraining.net/pictures/2011_june_11/DSC01240.jpg