Saltwater
Goldband Goatfish
Upeneus moluccensis
Hebrew name: ברבוניה צהובת פס
- Peak season
- Spring through autumn
- Length range
- 10–25 cm
- Weight range
- 0.1–0.5 kg
- Typical depth
- 5–100 m
Minimum size: 11 cm
Measured from the tip of the mouth to the tip of the tail, fish lying flat. Release anything shorter at once.
- Per Fisheries Regulations, 1937, First Addendum, January 7, 2025
Habitat
Sandy and muddy bottoms in shallow to mid-depth coastal waters. Lessepsian invader now common in eastern Mediterranean.
Behavior
Bottom-feeder using chin barbels to probe sediment for crustaceans and worms. Forms small foraging schools.
Best techniques
- Light bottom rig with worm or shrimp
- Small hooks with bread or squid bits
- Drop-shot over sandy bottom
- Light spinning near sandy edges
