Vermiculated spinefoot (Siganus vermiculatus)

Scientific name: Siganus vermiculatus Valenciennes, 1835

The Vermiculated spinefoot (Siganus vermiculatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Siganidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 19–38°C (66–100°F).

Vermiculated spinefoot care at a glance

Temperature: 19–38°C (66–100°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 7; Anal soft rays: 9; Vertebrae: 13. Body bluish white; head brown to brownish or golden yellow with irregular blue lines. Preopercular angle 91?-102?; strong overlapping scales cover cheeks; midline of thorax scaled, not pelvic ridges. Anterior nostril with low flange, broadened slightly posteriorly. Spines stout, blunt or pungent, and venomous.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Siganus vermiculatus
Family: Siganidae (Rabbitfishes)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 45.0
Common length: 30.0
Depth range: 15–20 m (49–66 ft)
Environment: Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 15 - 20 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Indo-West Pacific: India, Sri Lanka, Andaman Islands, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Belau [=Palau], Guam, New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu, ?New Caledonia, ?Western Australia, ?Pohnpei, Caroline Islands, ?Ebon Island and Marshall Islands.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Venomous
Uses: Fisheries: commercial; aquaculture: likely future use; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (K=0.3)