Loading map...
♥ Donate

Red goatfish

Mullus auratus

Red goatfish© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

Red goatfish (Mullus auratus) is a small, colorful demersal species prized for its delicate, mildly sweet flesh. Anglers target it for its abundance on sandy and seagrass bottoms, making it a popular catch in coastal waters.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Mullidae

Max Size

25 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

9-91m

Climate

subtropical

Best Season

Late spring through early fall (May‑September)

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon, when the fish feed near the bottom

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Red goatfish

  • Cast or troll over sandy or seagrass areas and let the bait sit near the bottom
  • Use light tackle to feel the subtle bites typical of small goatfish
  • Retrieve slowly or jig gently to keep the bait near the substrate where they hunt
  • Watch for small flashes of the fish’s distinctive red stripe as it approaches the lure

Top Fishing Locations for Red goatfish

Baa Atoll

Maldives
beginner80% Very Common

World‑renowned atoll with pristine coral reefs where red goatfish congregate around drop‑offs and lagoons.

Best: November to April

Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef

Australia
intermediate70% Very Common

Remote reef island offering clear waters and abundant schooling red goatfish on the outer reef slope.

Best: December to March

Christmas Island

Australia (Indian Ocean)
expert75% Very Common

Isolated volcanic island with steep drop‑offs where red goatfish are very common during the austral winter.

Best: June to September

Ras Mohammed National Park

Egypt
beginner85% Very Common

Protected Red Sea park with vibrant coral and strong currents that attract large numbers of red goatfish.

Best: September to November

Praslin Island

Seychelles
intermediate60% Common

Lush island reefs where red goatfish feed on sandy flats adjacent to coral heads.

Best: April to June

Moalboal, Cebu

Philippines
beginner70% Very Common

Popular dive destination with abundant reef fish; red goatfish are common around the reef crest.

Best: March to May

Mamanuca Islands

Fiji
expert50% Common

Scattered volcanic islands offering deep‑water edges where experienced anglers target red goatfish.

Best: May to October

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Red goatfish

Recommended Equipment

RodLight spinning rod, 5‑7 ft, medium‑fast action
Line4‑8 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeSmall soft‑plastic grubs or jigs (1‑2 in) or tiny spoons
TechniqueBottom fishing with slow retrieve or gentle jigging near the substrate

Best bait: Live shrimp, small crabs, sandworms