Long-Barbel Goatfish

Care

The Long-Barbel Goatfish is known from lagoons and seaward reefs with sandy or weedy substrates, to depths of 40m (131ft). This bottom-feeding fish is a solitary species, although several other individuals will often be observed fairly nearby, albeit keeping a reasonable distance apart from one another. The large adult size of the magnificent Long-Barbel Goatfish regrettably makes this species an unsuitable addition to all but the most spacious of showtanks or public aquaria. These nervous fish require plenty of open swimming and foraging space, ample hiding places, a substrate that is not too sharp, and non-aggressive tankmates that are larger than the goatfish (which will predate on fish small enough to fit in their mouths). Tight fitting coverslides on the tank are also an absolute must, as these fish are expert jumpers. Powerful filtration and protein skimming are essential as these active fish have a high metabolism and require small feedings several times per day. Most goatfishes will habitually grub through the substrate with their two impressive unbranched sensory chin barbels, so it is inevitable that a fair amount of debris will be stirred up into the system whenever it disturbs the substrate, hence the importance of decent filtration. A high standard of water quality should be maintained at all times, with a good level of oxygenation. Pictured above is a juvenile specimen; adults grow into much stockier fish, the large underslung jaw becomes much more prominent, and overall colouration can take on a rosy red hue, darker dorsally. The dusky basal stripe in the second dorsal fin and a pale area at end of the black body stripe (the latter more visible in adults) distinguishes this species from the similar-looking Dot Dash Goatfish (P. barberinus).

Feeding

Feed small amounts several times per day "“ this is of particular importance for young specimens. Offer a variety of meaty items, such as krill, prawns, chopped squid, mussel, cockle, scallops, clam meat, etc.

Breeding

This species has not been bred in the home aquarium.