Upeneus taeniopterus Cuvier, 1829

Taxonomy and Common Names

Upeneus taeniopterus is a species of ray-finned fish belonging to the family Mullidae, commonly known as goatfishes. Its common English name is the finstripe goatfish.

Native Region

This is a marine fish native to the Indo-Pacific region.

Maximum Size

The species grows to a maximum length of approximately 33 centimeters.

Body Coloration

Its body is pale grey, with numerous small reddish patches along the upper dorsal surface. A horizontal stripe runs from its eye to its tail, and a paler horizontal stripe sits below this stripe. Dark bars are present on its tail fin.

Habitat Preference

The species is associated with reefs and typically occurs in shallow waters.

Human Consumption

Consumption of this fish has been reported to cause hallucinations, but it is still caught commercially for food, and is most often processed into mince and other processed food products.

Conservation Status

Upeneus taeniopterus has a broad distribution range, and is not classified as a threatened species.