| Family: |
Siganidae (Rabbitfishes) |
| Max. size: |
31 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 30 m |
| Distribution: |
Indian Ocean: Maldives and the Similan Islands. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 7-7; Anal soft rays: 9-9; Vertebrae: 1. Pale bluish dorsally, silvery white below; iris with a bluish cast. Preopercular angle 107°-110°; cheeks covered with overlapping scales; midline of thorax including pelvic ridges fully scaled. Rim of anterior nostril expanded posteriorly into a very short pointed peak. Spines stout, pungent and venomous. |
| Biology: |
Paired adults live around rocks and coral reefs and feed on sessile colonial tunicates, monaxonid sponges, and benthic algae. Solitary or in groups (Ref. 90102). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 19 July 2017 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
venomous |
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