Upeneus tragula Richardson 1846 —Freckled goatfish (Figs 77, 78)

Status at New Ireland. First recorded from Kulineua River, New Hanover as Caprupeneus tragula by Munro (1958: 206–207). Specimens photographed at Lissenung Island, Kavieng region by Dietmar Amon on 26 June 2007, and at 5 m depth by Dean Tully on 22 June 2013 ; others photographed at St. KVG20 (east of Enuk Island, Kavieng District) by Serge Andréfouët on 20 Aug. 2014 . NTUM 10609 (1 specimen, St. PD31, off south side of Tungelo Island, New Hanover, 02°40.045'S 150°25.817'E, 3–47 m depth, 17 June 2016) .

Distribution and habitat. New Ireland: 1, 2.—General distribution: Red Sea and East Africa east to Palau and New Guinea, north to southern Japan, south to northern Australia and New Caledonia. Solitary or in groups, on sand-rubble areas, often near coral reefs, 3–40 m depth. Marine.