The Bluespotted Goatfish is a shallow water species that is endemic to southern Australia.

The Bluespotted Goatfish has small eyes and a small mouth with fleshy lips. There are two dorsal fins. The first spinous dorsal fin is taller with a shorter base than the second soft-rayed fin. The chin barbels are about the same length as the head.

The colouration of this species varies with age, sex, time of day, and the fish's level of stimulation. Young fish and females are pale below and darker above. They have a black stripe along the side of their bodies. Adult males and females have blue spots on their body scales. At night and when excited, their bodies often become reddish.