Masked spinefoot (Siganus puellus)

Scientific name: Siganus puellus Schlegel, 1852

The Masked spinefoot (Siganus puellus) is a marine fish of the family Siganidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 22–27°C (72–81°F).

Masked spinefoot care at a glance

Temperature: 22–27°C (72–81°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 7; Anal soft rays: 9; Vertebrae: 13. Body yellow-orange above to silvery white below; a prominent blackish bar on head, spotted; iris blackish; opercular area silver; dorsal and anal fin spines and rays yellow, spines with white streak. Spines stout and venomous. Preopercular angle 101?-111?. Cheeks fully covered with strong scales. Midline of thorax scaled; scaled pelvic ridges may interrupt scale row pattern. Low rim of anterior nostril expanded posteriorly into a short, broad triangular flap.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Siganus puellus
Family: Siganidae (Rabbitfishes)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 38.0
Common length: 25.0
Depth range: 1–30 m (3–98 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 30 m, usually 2 - 30 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Indo-West Pacific: Cocos-Keeling Islands and the South China Sea to the Gilbert Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to the southern Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia. Recently recorded from Tonga.
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.)