Fin's Fish Guide
The Deepbody spinefoot (Siganus guttatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Siganidae that grows up to 42 cm.
Eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific; turbid coastal reefs, mangroves and river mouths (not known from Australian waters).
Description
The orange-spotted spinefoot is a rabbitfish of the family Siganidae from the eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific. The species grows to about 42 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed body with numerous orange-yellow spots and a conspicuous yellow blotch below the rear of the dorsal fin. It inhabits turbid inshore reefs among mangroves, tolerates or even prefers low salinities and enters and leaves rivers with the tide; juveniles settle in seagrass beds near river mouths. The fish lives in schools and grazes algae. The dorsal and pelvic spines are venomous and can give painful puncture wounds.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Deepbody spinefoot?
The Deepbody spinefoot has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern. Orange-yellow blotches and a yellow dorsal blotch; venomous fin spines and tolerance of low salinity.
Where does the Deepbody spinefoot live?
The Deepbody spinefoot lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific; turbid coastal reefs, mangroves and river mouths (not known from Australian waters).
How big does the Deepbody spinefoot get?
The Deepbody spinefoot grows to a maximum of about 42 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Deepbody spinefoot dangerous to humans?
The Deepbody spinefoot is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The fin spines are venomous and can 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 Deepbody spinefoot edible?
Yes, the Deepbody spinefoot is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Siganus
More from the family Siganidae
Want the complete picture on the Deepbody spinefoot?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Deepbody spinefoot is one of 12,519 species in the app.