Siganus punctatissimus Fowler & Bean, 1929
Peppered spinefoot
Siganus punctatissimus
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Siganidae (Rabbitfishes)
Max. size:  35 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 12 - 30 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: southern Ryukyu Islands, Palau (Belau), Philippines, northern Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, northern Queensland and reefs off northwestern 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. Head and body dark chocolate brown with purplish hue; iris pale rose-brown, white spotted. Spines stout, pungent, venomous. Preopercular angle 93°-109°. Cheeks completely scaled. Midline of thorax scaled; a row of scales absent along pelvic ridges. Anterior nostril with low rim; expanded posteriorly into a broad flap, reaching halfway to posterior nostril.
Biology:  Inhabits lagoon and channel reefs (Ref. 9710), usually near steep slopes and harbours (Ref. 48637). Usually seen in pairs. Feeds on benthic seaweeds (Ref. 9813).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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