| Family: |
Siganidae (Rabbitfishes) |
| Max. size: |
20 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range - 30 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Pacific: Ryukyu Islands, the Philippines, and the North West Shelf, Western Australia. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 7-7; Anal soft rays: 9-9; Vertebrae: 13-13. Color the same as in S. vulpinus except for the blackish spot posteriorly on the upper side of the body. Caudal peduncle only slightly incised. Spines stout, pungent, and venomous. Preopercular angle 109°-119°. Variable cheek squamation; usually covered with scales, 7-10 rows deep below center of orbit, occasionally a few scattered scales present below eye; a triangular area from lower edge of orbit to angle of mouth always fully scaled. Fully scaled midline of thorax. |
| Biology: |
Inhabits rich coral areas of lagoons and outer reefs, often among staghorn corals (Ref. 90102). Small juveniles occur in schools of up to a few hundred fish, larger juveniles and adults occur in pairs. Feeds on seaweeds (Ref. 9813). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 12 October 2018 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
venomous |
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