Streamlined spinefoot (Siganus argenteus)

Scientific name: Siganus argenteus Quoy & Gaimard, 1825

The Streamlined spinefoot (Siganus argenteus) is a marine fish of the family Siganidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 25–29°C (77–84°F). Native range: Indo-Pacific, Red Sea and East Africa to Pitcairn. Often the only siganid present on remote islands like Pitcairn, Rapa and Line.

Streamlined spinefoot care at a glance

Temperature: 25–29°C (77–84°F)

Biology

Inhabits coastal and inner reef slopes and lagoons. Usually occurs in large schools that swim fast and well above the substrate, occasionally all diving down to the bottom to feed. Juveniles and adults occur in small schools (2-100) around coral reefs, typically in surge zone at reef edge. Juveniles live near the surface in dense aggregations up to several km offshore, migrating to reef flats just prior to metamorphosis. Feeds on algae. Juveniles and adults not frequently found in markets; but prejuveniles form a brief but important fishery when migrating on to the reef flat, e.g. combined catch (with Siganus spinus of 16 tonnes in one season in Guam. Prejuveniles eaten fresh, pickled in brine or made into fish paste. Consumed as food although it is known to be occasionally poisonous. Used in Chinese medici

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Siganus argenteus
Family: Siganidae (Rabbitfishes)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 40.0
Common length: 25.0
Depth range: 0–40 m (0–131 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 40 m, usually 1 - 30 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to Pitcairn. Often the only siganid present on remote islands like Pitcairn, Rapa and Line.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Venomous
Uses: Fisheries: commercial; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (K=0.75; tm=1)