Gold Saddle Goatfish

Parupeneus Goatfish can become large and should be added to large well established aquariums with plenty of room to swim. Plenty of rock work, rubble and a deep sand bed should be provided. Plenty of cracks and crevices should be provided as Goatfish tend to be a bit on the shy side. Goatfish are good sand sifters and will use the barbels on their chin to dig and sense prey in the substrate. Goatfish prey on benthic invertebrates such as shrimp, worms, small brittle stars and crabs. They may disturb benthic corals and clams while sifting through the sand and rubble. A diet of meaty based foods should be provided several times daily. If having difficulty enticing Goatfish to eat try live ghost shrimp, Grass shrimp or black worms. Provide an aquarium with a tight fitting lid as Goatfish may jump.

Gold Saddle Goatfish are also sometimes known as the Yellow Goatfish. Not often seen in the aquarium trade. Juveniles and adults are seen with different color variations. Juveniles are generally yellow as they mature their color will darken and gain grey to blue markings. Gold Saddle Goatfish can grow to almost 20".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 240 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH