Yellowfin goatfish
Mulloidichthys vanicolensis
Special features
With their bright yellow fins, the yellowfin barbs of the Red Sea are true splashes of color on the reefs — and masters of survival in extreme environments.
Appearance
Pale to bluish-white with a yellow back, yellow fins, and a yellow stripe running from the eye to the base of the tail. Its scale outlines are clearly visible, and along with its shape, it looks like a picture-perfect fish.
Natural enemies
Predatory fish
Dangerous/Venomous
Yellowfin goatfish are neither dangerous nor venomous.
Sketch
1. Yellow stripe
2. Thick lips
Pro tips
This fish thrives in lagoons and seaward reefs. During the day, it can often be seen hovering in large, semi-stationary groups along reef edges or near the shelter of big coral mounds. At night, it disperses and roams the reef alone in search of food. It is common and easily approached by divers.
They have two long barbels on their chin, which they tuck in while swimming and extend mainly when searching for food. These barbels act as sensory organs, helping them detect crabs, mollusks, worms, brittle stars, and small fish hidden in the sandy seabed.
While digging, they are often accompanied by snappers or wrasses, hoping to snatch up any startled prey. They rarely roam alone and much prefer to move around in small groups.
Text: Carolina Leiter
Pic: Felician Hosp
Illustration: Dive Dict
