Manybar Goatfish

(Parupeneus multifasciatus)

Parupeneus Goatfish can become large and should be added to large well established aquariums with plenty of room to swim. Plenty of rock work, rubble and a deep sand bed should be provided. Plenty of cracks and crevices should be provided as Goatfish tend to be a bit on the shy side. Goatfish are good sand sifters and will use the barbels on their chin to dig and sense prey in the substrate. Goatfish prey on benthic invertebrates such as shrimp, worms, small brittle stars and crabs. They may disturb benthic corals and clams while sifting through the sand and rubble. A diet of meaty based foods should be provided several times daily. If having difficulty enticing Goatfish to eat try live ghost shrimp, Grass shrimp or black worms. Provide an aquarium with a tight fitting lid as Goatfish may jump.

Manybar Goatfish are also sometimes known as the Hawaiian Red Goatfish. Not often seen in the aquarium trade. The Manybar Goatfish are capable of rapidily changing their body color to a gray color but mainly a red to brown color with two black spots. Manybar Goatfish can grow to almost 12".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 150 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareModerateModerate CareDifficultDifficult
  • Behavior: BehaviorAgressiveAgressive BehaviorSocialSocial
  • Diet: DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food DietLive FoodLive Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef HabitatSand FlatSand Flat
  • Light: LightMediumMedium