Yellow Back Goatfish

Yellow Back Goatfish (Parupeneus barberinus) is a peaceful to semi-aggressive species that is reef-safe with caution, as it may consume small ornamental shrimp and crabs but poses no threat to corals or larger invertebrates. This stunning goatfish displays a white to pale pink body with a distinctive bright yellow dorsal region extending from behind the head to the tail, creating a beautiful two-toned appearance complemented by the characteristic twin barbels used for actively foraging through sand and rockwork in search of small invertebrates. The vibrant yellow back coloration and constant hunting activity make it both a visual highlight and endless entertainment as it explores every corner of the aquarium. It can reach about 12-14 inches in adult size. Best kept in tanks of at least 150 gallons or more due to their active swimming nature and substantial adult size, with a deep sand bed for natural foraging behavior, excellent water quality, and ample open swimming space, though they're generally peaceful toward most fish tankmates. Its diet should include a mix of meaty foods—mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, chopped seafood, quality marine pellets—supplemented with small live foods like blackworms or feeder shrimp, as this carnivorous species requires multiple generous feedings daily to support their large size and high activity level. International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.