Long barbel Goatfish

Species Overview

• Common name: Longbarbel Goatfish

• Scientific name: Mulloidichthys flavolineatus (Yellowstripe Goatfish) or similar species

• Origin: Indo-Pacific reefs

• Adult size: 25–40 cm (10–16")

• Lifespan: 6–10 years in well-maintained aquariums

🌈 Appearance

• Body: Elongated, cylindrical body with a yellow lateral stripe from head to tail.

• Fins: Typically yellow dorsal and caudal fins.

• Barbels: Two long sensory barbels under the chin, used to detect food in the substrate.

• Juveniles are smaller, paler, and gain full coloration with age.

🏞 Tank Requirements

• Tank size: Minimum 600L+ for a single adult due to active swimming and size.

• Water parameters:

  • Temperature: 24–28 °C

  • pH: 8.1–8.4

  • Salinity: 1.020–1.025 SG

• Aquascape:

  • Open swimming areas are essential.

  • Sandy substrate is required for foraging with barbels.

  • Rocks and caves for resting spots.

🍽 Diet

• Natural diet: Small invertebrates, worms, crustaceans, and detritus.

• In captivity: Sinking meaty foods (mysis, chopped shrimp, brine shrimp), occasional algae wafers.

• Barbels are actively used to search substrate, so feeding should encourage natural foraging.

👫 Behavior & Compatibility

• Peaceful to semi-aggressive: Mostly bottom dwellers; may compete for food with other benthic fish.

• Active swimmers; prefer larger tanks with other midwater or bottom-dwelling species.

• Avoid very small fish or invertebrates that could be eaten.

🐣 Breeding

• Rarely bred in home aquariums; mostly wild-caught.

• Reproduction occurs in the wild via pelagic spawning.

⚡ Key Selling Points

• Striking yellow lateral stripe and long barbels make it a standout centerpiece in marine tanks.

• Active forager that adds natural movement and interest to the substrate.

• Hardy and adaptable in large marine display tanks.

• Unique behavior with barbels encourages natural feeding observation.