Bahamas Spotted Goatfish

During a venture through the sweet Bahamian waters there are several amazing sights to behold. Among these sights is an array of beautiful tropical fish that will transform the water into a deep sea wonderland.

During the Bahamas Snorkel Tours swimmers will be brought face to face with several amazing species of fish. Among these species is the Spotted Goatfish.

The Spotted Goatfish received its name due to two barbels hanging from the tip of its chin that are used to sense prey and highly resemble the beard of a goat. Despite its goat-like qualities, the spotted goatfish is anything but. While active, they are pure white with three large black dots across their body. When inactive, they change their color pattern, becoming mottled white and red. In less than a minute the spotted goatfish can change his color patterns as well as his mind. So, look out crustaceans!

The Spotted Goatfish dwells in the coral reefs at two to ninety meters. Many swimmers have observed them swimming over the sand and rock bottoms inside the reef. Look closely and young spotted goatfish may be seen swimming through the grass beds among the reef as well.

The Spotted Goatfish diet consists of small invertebrates, such as worms, crustaceans and mollusks. They locate their prey by dragging their barbels against the sand, disturbing the bottom and sensing a snack buried underneath.

During the day, several Spotted Goatfish will form large inactive schools. Among these schools several other species of fish may sometimes swim along as well and the Spotted Goatfish will sometimes change their coloring in order to blend in with the other fish. During the night, the spotted goatfish will go their separate ways, becoming active and searching for prey. Friends by day and enemies by night, the other species of fish will sometimes follow the spotted goatfish in order to obtain prey of their own. When Spotted Goatfish have had their fill for the night, they change to their inactive coloration and rest amidst the sand. More than likely, with any snorkeler in the vicinity, the spotted goatfish will be in its active coloration. But, if slowly snuck up upon, could be caught in the middle of changing colors.

During reproduction, a Spotted Goatfish will spawn between three hundred and four hundred individuals across twenty meters of water. Before settling against the reef, the larvae will enter into a planktonic stage before reaching the size of four to eight millimeters. Spotted Goatfish usually live to be four years old but begin to reproduce when they become seventeen to nineteen centimeters long. Maturity in age means nothing to this fish. It is all about the length.

This amazing and beautiful fish is just one of the many amazing sights seen during Bahamas Snorkel Tours. To see the changing colors of a spotted goatfish in action will not only be memorable but also awe inspiring. Do not miss out on the opportunity and explore the reef today.