Goatfish

Two species of goatfish occur in Bonaire, and both are quite commonly seen.  The spotted goatfish and yellow goatfish differ principally in their coloration.  Both species feed on the bottom, using their barbels (the chemo-sensory organs under the tip of their chin) to sniff out and dig for buried prey. Sometimes when they are digging they create quite a cloud of sand.

Spotted goatfish don't grow quite as large as yellow goatfish (max. size = 11 inches versus 15 inches).  And spotted goatfish don't occur below 60 feet, while yellow goatfish have been seen down to 200 feet.

These photos were taken at depths between 25 and 40 feet.  The fish were 7 to 8 inches long.

Spotted goatfish, with barbels visible below mouth.

Yellow goatfish, with a cleaner fish on its fin.