Habitat
Known to prefer temperate waters and form small schools over shallow sandy and seagrass coastal waters from 2-40m.
Fishing information
Blue-spotted goatfish are caught whilst fishing for mullet and whiting in Bass Strait and shallow east coast waters. They are taken by rod and line using rigs similar to whiting and also in gillnets. A paternoster rig with small hooks and baits such as bluebait, squid or fish flesh can be used. Divers may see goatfish using their barbels in the soft sand and mud to locate sandworms and other invertebrates.
Cooking
Blue-spotted goatfish are good eating when fresh, but their flesh tends to go soft when frozen. Their bright colour is favoured in some Asian cultures and their flesh suited to that style of cooking. Nice char-grilled, as whole fish, barbequed or pan-fried skinless fillets.