| Family: |
Siganidae (Rabbitfishes) |
| Max. size: |
22 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 15 m |
| Distribution: |
Eastern Central Pacific: endemic to Tonga, common only in the northernmost island group, Vavau. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 7-7; Anal soft rays: 9-9; Vertebrae: 23-23. Fish looks black apart from the bright yellow pectoral fins; `vertical' margin of soft portion of dorsal fin and trailing edge of caudal fin orange. Preopercular angle 110°-111°; strong overlapping scales cover cheeks; 8-12 rows deep below center of orbit. Fully scaled midline of thorax. A very short tube, slightly taller posteriorly supports the anterior nostril opening. Caudal fin slightly incised. |
| Biology: |
Prefers areas of staghorn or fire corals, or around rubble mounds composed of plate and staghorn corals. Subadults and adults in pairs, juveniles probably form schools. Feeds on seaweeds. Marketed fresh (Ref. 9813). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 12 March 2015 (B2ab(iii)) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
venomous |
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