Siganus randalli Woodland, 1990
Variegated spinefoot
Siganus randalli
photo by Woodland, D.J.

Family:  Siganidae (Rabbitfishes)
Max. size:  33.5 cm FL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 824.0 g
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 15 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Guam.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 7-7; Anal soft rays: 9-9; Vertebrae: 23-23. Body is bronze, with bluish spots on the head and anterior portion of the body. These spots join in the posterior portion to form vermiculating patterns. Preopercular angle 98°-102°; strong scales covering cheeks with 9-11 rows deep below center of orbit; midline of thorax scaled, pelvic ridges without scales. Low rim of anterior nostril bearing a minute, pointed peak posteriorly. The spines are stout, blunt and venomous. S. randalli is similar to S. vermiculatus but is spotted on the head and front of the back (Ref. 37816).
Biology:  Adults inhabit coral reef areas with sand and coral rubble, down to at least 15 m. Juveniles found in mangroves (Ref. 9710). Adults occur in schools of 10 to 20 or more and feed on algae growing on compacted pavement areas (Ref. 9813).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  venomous


Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.