The spotted goatfish (Pseudupeneus maculatus) is a species of fish that is found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Western Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. It is a small to medium-sized fish, typically reaching a maximum length of about 40 cm (16 inches).
The spotted goatfish has a elongated, slender body with a pointed head and a pair of long, thin barbels located near its mouth. Its body is typically reddish or orange in color, with numerous small, white spots that give it its common name.
Like other species of goatfish, the spotted goatfish is an opportunistic feeder that feeds on a wide variety of small invertebrates and plants. It uses its barbels to search for food on the ocean floor, and it has been known to form large schools when foraging for food. The spotted goatfish is not considered a threat to humans, and it is not commonly fished for food. It is, however, an important species in the marine ecosystem, serving as a food source for larger predatory fish and birds.
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