Bicolor Goatfish (Parupeneus Barberinoides)

Care Level : Moderate - Difficult

Temperament : Peaceful

Color : Black, Red, White, Yellow

Diet : Carnivore

Reef Compatible : With Caution

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 10»

Origin : Fiji, Melanesia

Family : Mullidae

Minimum Tank Size : 125 gallons

The Bicolor Goatfish (Parupeneus Barberinoides), also known as the Dash and Dot, Half and Half Goatfish, and Swarthy-Headed Goatfish.

The Bicolor Goatfish has a burgundy anterior and yellow posterior divided by a white band. There is a black dot on the posterior portion and a pair of white stripes on the anterior portion giving it the name Dash and Dot Goatfish. The Bicolor Goatfish grows up to 10 inches in length.

An established 125 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of swimming room is recommended, and it needs non-aggressive tank mates. The bottom of the aquarium should have a moderate substrate layer so the Bicolor Goatfish may use its barbels to sift through the substrate in search of food (invertebrates, small crustaceans, worms). Because it eats the invertebrates, the nitrogen load capacity of the sand will be reduced and it will be well-oxygenated due to the sifting.

Goatfish prefer to be housed with less aggressive tank mates. Though the Bicolor Goatfish is peaceful and gets along with other fish, it is known to go after shrimp, crabs, and other invertebrates, so caution should be taken when adding this fish to a tank containing these animals.

The Bicolor Goatfish is a carnivore and feeds on invertebrates, small crustaceans, and worms in the wild.  In a tank setting, it will forage for these items but should also be fed a diet of both frozen and fresh meaty preparations 3 to 4 times daily.  Suggestions include frozen mysis, brine, and krill.  

Size:

Small: 1" to 1-1/2"; Medium: 1-1/2" to 2"; Large: 2" to 4"; XLarge: 4” or larger.