Upeneichthys lineatus

The blue-striped mullet (Upeneichthys lineatus) is a species of goatfish native to the Pacific coast of Australia. It occurs in sheltered areas over rocky and sandy substrates and can be found 5 to 100 metres (16 to 328 ft), though rarer below 40 metres (130 ft). This species can reach a length of 40 centimetres (16 in) FL. This species is commercially important. Upeneichthys lineatus is a species of mullet native to the waters of the South Pacific with a particular concentration of population around the eastern coast of Australia as well as the Tasman Sea. The species is often distinguishable by the appearance of fleshy barbels protruding from a set of pronounced lips. Their coloration often varies regionally, ranging from a pale white appearance, to a bright red coloring with a wide array of spots and markings along the head and side of the fish. Upeneichthys lineatus is a species with a primary distribution oriented along the eastern coastline of Australia. They have also been found off the waters of all of New Zealand's main islands making the South Pacific their primary domain of residence. While this species is able to survive depths in excess of 100 meters, they are often found in water much shallower, typically around 10-30 meters. They prefer bottoms of varying substrates ranging from smooth bottoms, to rock and shell adorned bottoms. The majority of their noted habitats have been sheltered bays and harbors along Australia’s eastern coastline. Upeneichthys lineatus are a carnivorous species of mullet, feeding on a number of benthic organisms such as clams, crabs, crustaceans, invertebrates, worms, sea stars, etc.