Siganus stellatus (Forsskål, 1775)
Brown-spotted spinefoot
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Siganidae (Rabbitfishes)
Max. size:  40 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range - 1 m
Distribution:  Indian Ocean: Red Sea and East Africa to the Andaman Sea.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 7-7; Anal soft rays: 9-9; Vertebrae: 13-13. Indian Ocean subspecies. S. s. laqueus greyish green with head and body covered with chocolate brown spots; in S. s. stellatus, background color is yellowish. Trailing edges of soft parts of dorsal and anal fins, perimeter of caudal fin and a saddle over the caudal peduncle are markedly paler than the rest. Silvery iris, tinted brown or green, with 10 equally spaced spots. Spines stout; pungent only in juveniles. Preopercular angle 92°-103°. Strong scales cover the cheeks. Usually midline of thorax fully scaled, but pelvic ridges sometimes without scales.
Biology:  Common in coral reefs; juveniles enter weedy estuaries (Ref. 4407). Juveniles and subadults form schools, adults in pairs. Adults feed on benthic seaweeds (Ref. 9813). Anterolateral glandular grooves with venom gland (Ref. 57406).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 19 July 2017 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  venomous


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