Goldsaddle Goatfish

The scientific name Parupeneus cyclostomus, is a species of goatfish that can be found in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, and the coasts of eastern Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. They are usually found near coral reefs or sandy bottoms, at depths ranging from 1 to 50 meters.

The Goldsaddle Goatfish has an elongated and laterally compressed body with a slightly rounded head and a small mouth. They can reach a maximum size of up to 45 centimeters in length, but the average size is around 25 centimeters. They are generally a pale pink or silver color, with a distinctive golden saddle-shaped patch just behind the head. They also have a yellowish stripe that runs from the eye to the caudal fin, and their fins are usually a pale yellow or pink color.

Like other goatfish, the Goldsaddle Goatfish feeds mainly on small invertebrates, such as crustaceans, worms, and mollusks. They use their barbels to search the sand for prey, and then use their protrusible mouth to suck it up from the substrate. They are also known to feed on small fish and plankton.

Goldsaddle Goatfish are generally found in small groups or schools, and they are known to be highly territorial. They use their barbels to establish their territory and communicate with other members of their group. During breeding season, the males will display their fins and colors to attract females for mating. The females will lay their eggs on the substrate, and the males will guard them until they hatch.