Yellow Goatfish (Parupeneus Cyclostomus)

The Yellow Goatfish is a striking and active marine fish known for its vibrant yellow to golden body and long, sensitive barbels used to forage along the substrate. This species is a highly effective scavenger, cleaning the tank by sifting through the sand for detritus and small invertebrates. Its natural behavior and active grazing make it a valuable addition to large marine aquariums, though its size and activity require a spacious setup.

Care Information
Maximum Size: Up to 12 inches.
Tank Size: 125 gallons minimum; requires a spacious tank with ample open swimming areas, a sandy substrate for natural foraging, and plenty of live rock for shelter.
Diet: Carnivorous/omnivorous; feeds on small invertebrates, worms, and detritus. In captivity, it thrives on a varied diet including live or frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and high-quality marine pellets.
Water Temp: 72-78°F.
Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
Aggression: Peaceful; generally non-aggressive and well-suited for community tanks, though it may be shy at first.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced; requires stable water conditions and a large, well-established tank to thrive.
Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe; does not harm corals when well-fed, but may disturb corals if natural food sources are limited.

Special Features – Foraging and Scavenging Behavior
The Yellow Goatfish is celebrated for its long barbels, which it uses to detect food in the sand. Its active sifting behavior not only helps control detritus but also promotes a healthier substrate by aerating the sand.

Compatibility
This species is best housed with other peaceful fish and invertebrates in a spacious community tank. It thrives in groups and can coexist with other goatfish and non-aggressive reef inhabitants, though ample food must be provided to prevent it from disturbing corals.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: The Yellow Goatfish exhibits a brilliant yellow to golden body often accented by subtle markings. Its fins typically feature a contrasting, lighter hue, enhancing its vibrant appearance under aquarium lighting.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Native to the Indo-Pacific, particularly in sandy and rubble areas adjacent to coral reefs, where it forages along the bottom using its barbels.
• Tank Setup: Mimics its natural habitat with a fine sand substrate, abundant live rock, and ample open swimming space.