Asymmetrical Goatfish
Upeneus asymmetricus
Silvery pink with a yellow stripe along the side of the body. It has a distinctively asymmetrically patterned caudal fin (tail) with a lightly patterned top part and a more strongly patterned lower part with a very dark tip. Like all goatfishes, the Asymmetrical Goatfish has two sensory chin barbels that are used for detecting food in the sand.
Morphology
Differs from similar Upeneus by having a combination of 7 dorsal fin spines, 13 pectoral fin rays; 7 + 20 (upper and lower) gill rakers; 29 lateral line scales; and a silver-brown lining to the gut cavity.
Evolution
There are 37 recognised species of Upeneus in the world, 13 of which have been recorded in Australia.
Behaviour
Like all goatfishes, Asymmetrical Goatfishes have a pair of chin barbels that they use to detect prey. The barbels may also be important during courtship.
Method of reproduction
Spawn multiple times across the reproductive season
Habitat
Marine
Marine. Sandy or weedy areas, often in trawl grounds.
Distribution
Indo-West Pacific, including Red Sea and Australia.
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Mullidae |
| Genus: | Upeneus |
| Species: | asymmetricus |
| Name Published Year: | 1954 |
|---|---|
| Rank: | species |
| Scientific Name Authorship: | Lachner |
| Commercial Impact: | Good eating, but small. Bycatch in trawls |
| Conservation Assessment: | Least Concern |
Cite this page
Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/upeneus-asymmetricus
Accessed 12 Aug 2024
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