Goldsaddle goatfish (Parupeneus cyclostomus) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Family
Mullidae (goatfishes)
Origin
Indo-Pacific
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
51 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
800 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
with_caution

Care

Goatfishes search the sand with a pair of sensory barbels under the chin, constantly sifting the substrate. They need a large tank with a wide, open sand bed, good filtration and plenty of swimming space, and are active, hungry fish that need feeding several times a day. Wikipedia article not checked for this entry; details are from the list and general marine husbandry. Water figures here are general marine aquarium guidance, not species-specific: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, salinity SG 1.023–1.026. Minimum tank size of about 800 litres is our estimate from the adult size and habits, not a published figure. Selling: our policies require the adult size and long-term tank needs to be stated clearly in the listing. Large fish must travel by a specialist live-animal courier (see the Livestock shipping guide). Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Eats bottom-living invertebrates and also small fish. Offer sinking meaty foods (krill, prawns, chopped fish and shellfish) several times a day.

Breeding

Breeding in home aquaria has not been reported in the sources used here.

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe with caution: it leaves corals alone but eats crustaceans and small fish. Keep with fish too large to swallow.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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