Species guide
How to catch Blacksaddle goatfish
Parupeneus ciliatus
saltwatergame fishMullidae
The Blacksaddle goatfish is a striking saltwater fish found in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It has a fusiform body shape and can grow up to 38 cm long. Typically schooling in reefs by day and solitary at night, it feeds on small crustaceans along the seabed.
Where they live
Occurs in shallow to moderately deep waters (2-91 m) around inshore reefs, seagrass beds, lagoon and seaward coral areas in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Young are common in spring and summer.
Typical size
Up to about 38 cm
What they eat
- small crabs
- shrimps
- amphipods
- copepods
- mysids
Best baits
- shrimp
- crab pieces
- small crustacean imitations
Best lures
- small soft plastics
- jigs
- mini hard baits
How to fish for them
- bottom fishing
- light jigging
- bait fishing near reefs
Track every Blacksaddle goatfish you catch.
Bobbr turns each catch into a species collection, quests, and streaks. We're building it now — join the iOS waitlist for $19 lifetime founding access.
Claim founding access