Parupeneus porphyreus

(Jenkins, 1902)

Whitesaddle Goatfish

Range: Central Pacific Ocean: Hawaiian Islands.

Size: 16 inches (40 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits lagoons and fore-reef slopes at depths between 3 - 450 feet (1 – 135 m) in small groups under ledges, then venturing out during evening hours to feed on shrimp, crabs, worms, snails, bivalves, and small fishes.

General Husbandry: Rarely seen in the trade due to its physical size, and having a reddish-brown body and fins, with a white saddle-like spot on the caudal peduncle, hence the common name.

Best maintained in very large fish-only aquariums with wide-open swimming and unencumbered substrate areas with hiding areas for daytime shelter, as this is a nocturnal feeder. As to diet, feed a wide variety of frozen and fresh meaty foodstuffs (chopped squid, scallops, fish flesh, shrimp, clam, etc.) at least several times daily. Will also consume any ornamental crustaceans and small fishes in the aquarium. Will soon learn to feed during daytime hours.

Live glass/ghost shrimp, live black worms (Lumbriculus variegatus), and sinking shrimp pellets are also welcomed foodstuffs.

Taxonomy:

Order: Perciformes

Suborder: Percoidei

Family: Mullidae

Genus: Parupeneus

FYI: Unsuitable for average size hobbyist aquariums due to its physical size.

Experience Level: Professional

Temperament: Peaceful

Diet: Carnivore

Coral Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: No

Fish Safe: With caution

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Environment: Fish-only aquarium

Tankmates: Peaceful or non-aggressive

Minimum Tank Size: 200+ gallons

Temperature Range: 68 - 77°F (20 – 26°C)

Specific Gravity: 1.020 -1.026

pH: 8.0 - 8.5