Masked spinefoot
| Masked spinefoot | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Siganidae |
| Genus: | Siganus |
| Species: | S. puellus |
| Binomial name | |
| Siganus puellus (Schlegel, 1852) | |
The masked spinefoot (Siganus puellus), also known as decorated rabbitfish or masked rabbitfish, occurs in shallow, coral-rich areas of clear lagoons and seaward reefs of the Indo-West Pacific region[1] at depths of 10 to 100 feet.
Its body is yellow-orange dorsally grading through pale blue to white below. The body is also covered with wavy blue lines that are vertical anteriorly and horizontal posteriorly. The eyes are masked by a prominent blackish stripe that extends from the bottom of the mouth to the top of the head. As the black stripe passes the eye it becomes spotted.[2]
Care needs to be taken with them, as they have poisonous spines. When stressed, they will flash and point their poisonous spines at any threat. Its sting is similar to a lionfish.
References
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Siganus puellus. |