Mullidae
Small-sized fishes with a somewhat compressed body, fairly elongate; ventral side of head and belly flat. Upper profile of head moderately to strongly convex. Proportions of eye and snout variable with growth; eye situated near dorsal head profile. Mouth small and slightly protrusible; teeth small. 2 stout barbels on chin which can be folded into a median groove on throat. 2 well-separate dorsal fins, the first with 7-9 spines, the second with 1 spine and 8 soft rays; pelvic fins comparatively large, inserted below the pectoral fins, with 1 spine and 5 soft rays; caudal fin forked. Scales large and slightly ctenoid.
Demersal fishes in coastal waters, including estuaries, over sandy or muddy bottoms of temperate and tropical regions. The barbels carry sensory organs used in finding food (mainly small, benthic invertebrates). Goatfishes live in aggregations or solitary.
Genera 15; in Clofnam area 3.