Mulloidichthys dentatus (Gill, 1862)
Mexican goatfish
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Mullidae (Goatfishes)
Max. size:  31 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 46 m
Distribution:  Eastern Central Pacific: southern California, USA to Peru, including the Galapagos Islands; rare north of southern Baja California, Mexico.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Inhabits sand, mud and rock bottoms of shallow waters near the coast (Ref. 9322). Often occurs in small schools but may also be solitary. Feeds by digging in the sand with its barbels. Rests on the bottom at night, dramatically changing both color and daytime pattern to reddish blotches (Ref. 5227). Young are pelagic.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 24 May 2007 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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