:  The Goatfish Home  >  Library  >   Fish Taxonomy   >  Goatfish Back Taxonomy: Perciformes, Goatfish  (Mullidae) General Information: The goatfish include about 55 species in 6 genera. Their dorsal fin is divided into two parts and the caudal fin is deeply forked. They have 'whiskers' or barbels that they use to find food. Diet: Most feed on invertebrates, a few eat small fish. Final Note: Goatfish turn over the top layers of a sandy bottom and thus help aerate the substrate. They will feed on mantis shrimp and bristle worms which other fish will not. Examples at SeaScape Studio: Bicolor Goatfish Yellow Goatfish Back