Goatfish (Mulidae)

Kumu                                                                    Species of Goatfish can usually be seen scavenging open patches of sand or mud with their characteristic chemosensory barbels that hang off the chin. The jaws are usually lined with several irregular rows of small teeth, the body elongated with large scales, and the dorsal fins widely separated into two parts. Goatfish are widely sought after in Hawaii, mostly by oriental fish consumers. Goatfish sometimes go by the nickname surmullets and their 40 or so species are widespread throughout the tropics. Species can usually be found in groups either feeding or resting and are generally nocturnal predators. The Hawaiian name kumu refers to those that are lighter in color and possess a white-streaked tail, while the weke are those that are mostly red.

Hawaiian Marine Fauna

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