Description:

Dorsal spines: 8-9; Dorsal rays: 8; Anal spines: 1; Anal rays: 6.

Moderately full-bodied goatfish. Barbels usually reach posterior to rear margin of preopercle. Mouth small, maxilla reaching about 2/3 distance to front edge of eye. Jaws with single row of well-spaced, stout, conical teeth.

Colour. Variable reddish, reddish-orange dorsally progressively paler on the flanks and posteriorly. Pale orange-pink to white ventrally. Distinguishing feature of black saddle on caudal peduncle (not always present) preceded by pale to white patch. Pale-edged darker band from front of snout through eye, continuing a short distance along lateral line. Fins pinkish without obvious markings.

Maturity: Lm unknown. Range unknown. Max Length: 43cm TL. Commonly to 23cm TL.

Inhabits coastal waters favouring areas with silty sand bottoms (depth ? -200m, generally deeper than 15m).

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is caught in the fish trap fishery, where it is quite a regular component of the catch.

Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Eds. 2018. FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/6373 (06/06/19).

Fischer, W. & G. Bianchi (eds), (1984).  FAO species identification sheets for fishery purposes. Western Indian Ocean; (Fishing Area 51). Prepared and printed with the support of the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA). Rome, Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, vols 1-6.

Nevill, J. (2013). A Species Identification Guide for Commonly Caught Fish in the Seychelles Near-Shore Artisanal Fishery. GOS/UNDP/GEF.