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Bluespotted spinefoot (Siganus corallinus) — Siganidae

Bluespotted spinefoot

Siganus corallinus
Family: Siganidae
LC · Least Concern

The Bluespotted spinefoot (Siganus corallinus) is a saltwater fish of the family Siganidae that grows up to 35 cm.

Length
35 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
3.0–30.0 m
Diet
Herbivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Range
Indo-West Pacific; coral-rich lagoons and seagrass.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The blue-spotted spinefoot is a rabbitfish (Siganidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a bright yellow body densely studded with small blue spots. It occurs in coral-rich parts of lagoons; juveniles live in small schools in shallow seagrass beds and reefs. It grazes mainly on algae and coral. The dorsal and pelvic fin spines are venomous and give a painful puncture wound; treat a sting with hot water.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bluespotted spinefoot?

The Bluespotted spinefoot has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern. Bright yellow with dense blue spots; venomous fin spines; grazes algae in coral-rich lagoons.

Where does the Bluespotted spinefoot live?

The Bluespotted spinefoot lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; coral-rich lagoons and seagrass.

How big does the Bluespotted spinefoot get?

The Bluespotted spinefoot grows to a maximum of about 35 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.

Is the Bluespotted spinefoot dangerous to humans?

The Bluespotted spinefoot is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The fin spines are venomous and give a painful, burning puncture wound. Immerse the wound for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) and seek medical care if pain or infection persists.

Is the Bluespotted spinefoot edible?

Yes, the Bluespotted spinefoot is commonly eaten.

More photos

Bluespotted spinefoot (Siganus corallinus) — Siganidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Bruce Deagle, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Bluespotted spinefoot (Siganus corallinus) — Siganidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Diego Delso (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Bluespotted spinefoot (Siganus corallinus) — Siganidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Pauline Fey, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Bluespotted spinefoot (Siganus corallinus) — Siganidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — Citron (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Bluespotted spinefoot verified
Scientific name
Siganus corallinus
Family
Siganidae
Other names
Blue-spotted spinefoot; Coral rabbitfish; Coral spinefoot; Orange spinefoot; Rabbitfish; Coral rabbit-fish; Indian coral rabbitfish; Ocellated orange spinefoot; Ocellated spinefoot; Pacific coral rabbitfish; Spinefoot; Spotted rabbitfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
35.0 verified
Average length (cm)
20.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
3.0 verified
Max depth (m)
30.0 verified
Natural range
Indo-West Pacific; coral-rich lagoons and seagrass. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Algae and coral sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Bright yellow with dense blue spots; venomous fin spines; grazes algae in coral-rich lagoons. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous sourced
First aid
The fin spines are venomous and give a painful, burning puncture wound. Immerse the wound for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) and seek medical care if pain or infection persists. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Siganus

More from the family Siganidae

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