In the early 1800s, Quoy and Gaimard (expedition aboard the Uranie and later, the Physicienne) noted that this fish was "often seen" in the islands of Guam; like the fish called "magnahac" (see Siganus argentus/), this species formed (spawning) swarms along the shorelines within a 3-4 day period once a year, the inhabitants of the islands harvested millions of individuals easily with scoop nets; the fish was then sun-dried, seasoned in vinegar, coconut oil, marine herbs and aromatic plants; however, this method preserved the fish for only a short period of time given the high temperature especially in tropical climates (Ref. 394). Photographic record (Ref. 37816). Also Ref. 37792.