Species guide
How to catch Japanese goatfish
Upeneus japonicus
saltwaterMullidae
The Japanese goatfish is a small, slender fish known for its distinctive bar-tailed pattern. It inhabits sandy areas of the continental shelf and uses barbels to hunt for benthic prey. This species is valued for its unique feeding behavior and vivid coloring.
Where they live
Found across the Pacific and Indian Oceans, the Japanese goatfish lives in sandy regions of the continental shelf at depths from 4 to 200 meters.
Typical size
Up to about 28 cm
What they eat
- brittle stars
- small crustaceans
- shrimp-like animals
- clams and mollusks
- various bottom-dwelling animals
Best baits
- small shrimp
- worms
- clam strips
- tiny crustaceans
Best lures
- small jigs
- soft plastic grub
- light spoons
- minnow imitation lures
How to fish for them
- bottom fishing
- light jigging
- drift fishing over sandy areas
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