Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
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Parupeneus

Parupeneus rubescens

(Lacepede, 1801)

Rosy Goatfish

Not Reef Tank Suitable

Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable

Range: Indo-West Pacific: Red Sea and Persian Gulf, south to South Africa and Reunion Island.

Size: 16 inches (40 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits rocky reefs sand flats and slopes and seagrass beds at depths between 6 - 250 feet (2 – 75 m) and feeds on shrimp, crabs, worms, and small fishes.

General Husbandry: Rarely seen in the trade due to its physical size. Has a pale reddish brown body with a black spot on the caudal peduncle.

Best maintained in very large fish-only aquariums with wide-open swimming and unencumbered substrate areas. 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.

Taxonomy:

    Order: Perciformes

    Suborder: Percoidei

    Family: Mullidae

    Genus: Parupeneus

FYI: Unsuitable for 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 - 79°F (20 – 26°C)

Specific Gravity: 1.020 -1.026

pH: 8.0 - 8.5

 Parupeneus rubescens (Rosy Goatfish)
Photo © Richard Field
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