Inhabits lagoon and seaward reefs to over 25 m (Ref. 9710). Found on sandy or weedy bottoms (Ref. 30573); rarely at depths of more than 40 meters (Ref. 54393). Usually seen solitary but often several individuals nearby (Ref. 48636). Feeds mainly on crustaceans and worms (Ref. 54393).

Indo-West Pacific: Red Sea and Persian Gulf south to Natal, South Africa extending east to Indonesia and the Philippines. Record from Hawaiii is an error.

Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Analspines: 1; Analsoft rays: 7

Maximum size: 400 mm TL

40.0 cm TL (male/unsexed; (Ref. 30874))

Diagnosis: Pectoral rays 15-17 (usually 16). Gill rakers 7-9 + 27-30 (total 34-39). Body moderately elongate, the depth 3.3-3.7 in SL; head length (HL) 2.8-3.2 in SL; snout length 1.7-1.9 in HL; barbels long, their length 1.1-1.25 in HL; longest dorsal spine 1.45-1.75 in HL; penultimate ray of second dorsal fin of adults 1.25-1.6 in last dorsal ray, the last ray relatively longer with growth; pectoral fins 1.3-1.5 in HL; pelvic fins 1.2-1.45 in HL. Body gray to grayish red dorsally, whitish to pink ventrally, with a black stripe from eye along lateral line to anterior part of caudal peduncle; a roundish black spot larger than eye on side of peduncle about two-thirds above lateral line; a broad white zone extending anterior to peduncular spot to below posterior part of second dorsal fin; a vertical pale blue line or spot often present on scales below black stripe; a dusky band often present on snout from eye to side of upper lip; barbels white; first dorsal and caudal fins reddish gray; basal one-third to one-half of second dorsal fin black, the dark pigment continuing to end of last ray and adjacent membrane; outer part of fin with narrow pale blue and yellow stripes; anal fin dusky yellow with faint narrow pale blue stripes (Ref. 54393).Pale area at end of black stripe and dusky basal stripe in second dorsal fin distinguished it from the similar P. barberinus (Ref. 48636).

Depth range based on 22 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 18 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0.55 - 44
  Temperature range (°C): 23.300 - 29.212
  Nitrate (umol/L): 0.048 - 8.154
  Salinity (PPS): 32.768 - 35.843
  Oxygen (ml/l): 3.404 - 4.711
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.100 - 0.909
  Silicate (umol/l): 2.829 - 8.857

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 0.55 - 44

Temperature range (°C): 23.300 - 29.212

Nitrate (umol/L): 0.048 - 8.154

Salinity (PPS): 32.768 - 35.843

Oxygen (ml/l): 3.404 - 4.711

Phosphate (umol/l): 0.100 - 0.909

Silicate (umol/l): 2.829 - 8.857
 
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this *note*. Your feedback is most welcome.

Depth: 3 - 25m.
From 3 to 25 meters.

Habitat: demersal. Band-dot goatfish. (Lacepede, 1801)  Attains 35 cm. Indian Ocean and Red Sea south to Sodwana Bay, Philipines and Indonesia.

reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 25 m (Ref. 30874)

Inhabits lagoon and seaward reefs to over 25 m (Ref. 9710), and coral reefs (Ref. 9137). Found on sandy or weedy bottoms (Ref. 30573). Present in seagrass beds at juvenile stage (Ref. 41878).

Renocila Infestation. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLDS) Stats
Public Records: 5
Species: 35
Species With Barcodes: 1

Not Evaluated

fisheries: commercial; aquarium: commercial