The yellowstripe goatfish (Mulloidichthys flavolineatus) is a species of goatfish native to the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean. The fish is known as Weke 'a'a in Hawaiian.[2]
| Yellowstripe goatfish | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Syngnathiformes |
| Family: | Mullidae |
| Genus: | Mulloidichthys |
| Species: | M. flavolineatus
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| Binomial name | |
| Mulloidichthys flavolineatus (Lacépède, 1801)
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| Synonyms | |
|
Mullus flavolineatus Lacepède, 1801 | |
Description
editThe species' color ranges from grey to white on its sides with red-orange to pure yellow fins. In order to keep itself safe at night it is able to camouflage and blend in to the color of its surroundings. This prevents the fish from being spotted by predators. It is a schooling species, generally found feeding in large groups.[2]
Distribution and habitat
editThe yellowstripe goatfish occurs in the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean in nearshore sandy bottoms and shore reefs at depths of less than 100 meters.[3] It spawns in Hawaii throughout the year with increased activity from February through June.[2]
Human use
editThis species is used as a food item in Hawaii. It tastes like shrimp, its primary source of food.[2] It is best to be kept cool after harvesting and preserved for longer periods of time in the freezer. Before preparing the fish, it has to be cleaned thoroughly by removing the intestinal tract.[4] People enjoy fishing for goatfish and it is a species that can easily be found by snorkelers throughout the Indo-Pacific.[5]
Cultural significance
editThe Weke 'a'a lives for fewer than 5 years. Adults fish for them in Hawaii and Guam.[6]
References
edit- ^ Smith-Vaniz, W.F. & Williams, I. (2016) [errata version of 2017 assessment]. "Mulloidichthys flavolineatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T50903119A115403890.
- ^ a b c d "Hawaiian Goatfish". thisfish.info. Archived from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 2021-10-06.
- ^ "Mulloidichthys flavolineatus, Yellowstripe goatfish : fisheries, gamefish, aquarium, bait". www.fishbase.se. Retrieved 2021-10-07.
- ^ "Pacific Food Guide | Goatfishes". Retrieved 2021-10-07.
- ^ "Goatfish". Snorkeling Report. Retrieved 2021-10-07.
- ^ "Scientists Describe the Life History of Two Goatfish Species in the Northern Mariana Islands". NOAA Fisheries. 2020-12-02. Retrieved 2021-11-18.