Barhead spinefoot (Siganus virgatus)

Scientific name: Siganus virgatus Valenciennes, 1835

The Barhead spinefoot (Siganus virgatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Siganidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 23–28°C (73–82°F).

Barhead spinefoot care at a glance

Temperature: 23–28°C (73–82°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 7; Anal soft rays: 9; Vertebrae: 13. A brown band running diagonally from nape to chin; another from 4th-5th dorsal spine base to pectoral fin base; ocular and shoulder bands spotted with blue; a zone of silvery yellow posterior and adjacent to the shoulder band. Preopercular angle 100?-111?; cheek scalation variable from few to almost fully scaled; midline of thorax fully scaled, sometimes with a row missing from pelvic ridges. A prominent rim or short tube encircle the anterior nostril, with a little peak on it posteriorly. Spines stout, fairly pungent and venomous.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Siganus virgatus
Family: Siganidae (Rabbitfishes)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 30.0
Common length: 20.0
Depth range: 1 m (3 ft)
Environment: Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 1 - ? m, usually 1 - 20 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Indo-West Pacific: southern India, Sri Lanka, Andaman Islands, Thailand, southern and eastern coasts of China, Taiwan, Ryukyu, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Northern Territory in Australia.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Venomous
Uses: Fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)