Little spinefoot (Siganus spinus)

Scientific name: Siganus spinus Linnaeus, 1758

The Little spinefoot (Siganus spinus) is a marine fish of the family Siganidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 24–28°C (75–82°F).

Little spinefoot care at a glance

Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 7; Anal soft rays: 9; Vertebrae: 13. The species can adopt a number of camouflage patterns involving off-white, pale gray to blackish, and various shades of brown. The basic pattern consists of a labyrinth of narrow bands with upper half vermiculate, the lower ones tend to meander horizontally. This pattern extends to the fins. Iris golden dissected by a chocolate cross. 4-5 irregular off-white bars on caudal peduncle. Scales fine on cheeks, densely packed over lower 2/3 of preopercular region. Midline of thorax without scales between pelvic ridges. Fin spines stout, pungent, venomous. Preopercular angle 87-100 degrees.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Siganus spinus
Family: Siganidae (Rabbitfishes)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 28.0
Common length: 18.0
Depth range: 1–50 m (3–164 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 50 m, usually 1 - 20 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Indo-West Pacific: India, Sri Lanka, Andaman Islands, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, South China Sea, Philippines, Taiwan, Ryukyu Islands, Japan, Mariana Islands, Minami Tori Shima [=Marcus Island], Palau, Yap, Truk, Pohnpei and Kosrae, Nauru, Kiribati, New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Niue, Cook Islands, and Society Islands Replaced by Siganus luridus in the west Indian Ocean.
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.)