Species FishSpotted Goatfish

Spotted Goatfish

Pseudupeneus maculatus

CommonFish
Illustration of Spotted Goatfish (Pseudupeneus maculatus)

The Spotted Goatfish is easily identified by its bright pink body and distinctive black spots. This species is known for its ability to use its barbels to forage in the sand for food.

Habitat
Commonly found in sandy or muddy bottoms near reefs.
Diet
Feeds on benthic invertebrates and small fish.
How common
Common

Recent Spotted Goatfish sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spotted a Spotted Goatfish?

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.

Get Huck - free
5,300+species
63national parks
50states

More fish

Spotted Moray
Spotted Moray
Gymnothorax moringa
Spotted Parrotfish
Spotted Parrotfish
Cetoscarus ocellatus
Spotted Sand Bass
Spotted Sand Bass
Paralabrax maculatofasciatus
Spotted Sandperch
Spotted Sandperch
Parapercis hexophtalma
Spotted Scat
Spotted Scat
Scatophagus argus
Spotted Scorpionfish
Spotted Scorpionfish
Scorpaena plumieri
Spotted Seatrout
Spotted Seatrout
Cynoscion nebulosus
Spotted Sunfish
Spotted Sunfish
Lepomis punctatus