White-spotted spinefoot
📖 Overview
Adults inhabit inshore, algae reefs, estuaries and in large lagoons with algae-rubble habitats. Mainly common on rocky substrates . In contrast to S. fuscescens, this species seems to tolerate more turbid waters, occurring within the vicinity of river mouths especially around seagrass beds. Adults also occur several kilometers offshore in deep, clear waters. Juveniles form very large schools in shallow bays and coral reef flats; school size reduces with size, with adults occurring in groups of 20 individuals or so. Herbivorous, feed on benthic algae and to some extent on seagrass. Fished by trawling and seine netting; bycatch in traps set in deep water and marketed fresh in very large numbers . Consumed as food; and have poisonous spines .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 7; Anal soft rays: 9; Vertebrae: 23. This species is distinguished by the following characters: body compressed, moderately slender, its depth 2.3-2.8 in SL; last anal-fin spine 1.2-1.5 times in longest anal-fin spine (usually the third); soft parts of dorsal and anal fins low, longest dorsal-fin ray 0.7-1 times in longest dorsal-fin spine; caudal fin almost emarginate in specimens under 10 cm standard length, forked in larger fish; 16-26 (rarely 27) scale rows between lateral line and bases of leading dorsal-fin spines. Colour of body highly variable, greenish grey to yellow brown with numerous (100-200) pearly blue to whitish spots on nape and trunk, match-head size on lower sides; 2-3 rows between first spine of dorsal fin and lateral line (area of eye would cover about 6 spots in this region), and about 10 rows between highest point of lateral line and base of first anal-fin spine; when frightened or injured, sides mottled light and dark brown and cream, creating 6 or 7 regularly spaced, dark diagonal zones with paler zones of similar width between them; dark eye-sized spot usually just behind upper end of gill opening, and a narrow bar along upper edge of gill cover . : fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for White-spotted spinefoot is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for White-spotted spinefoot is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Multiple spawner . Larger fish may spawn more than once in a spawning season . Spawn in group .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; reef-associated; oceanodromous ; depth range 1 - 50 m . Tropical; 30°N - 35°S, 49°E - 174°W West Pacific: Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Cambodia, Viet Nam, south China, Taiwan and Western Australia.
🌿 Ecology
benthic algae and to some extent on seagrass
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"White-spotted spinefoot is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 19.6 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 150 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for White-spotted spinefoot has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Pearl-spotted Spinefoot · White-spotted Rabbitfish · White-spotted spinefoot · pearly spinefoot · whitespotted rabbitfish |
| 🇸🇦Arabic | سمك الأرنب أبيض النقاط |
| 🏳️Catalan | Gitano de taques blanques |
| 🌍CES | králíčkovec běloskvrnný |
| 🇫🇷French | Sigan pintade |
| 🇮🇹Italian | Pesce coniglio a macchie bianche |
| 🌍MSA | Belaris · Belibas · Bliais · Dengkis · Gelibas · Kelang · Ketang lada · Lumban |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Peixe-coelho-perolado |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Сиган-орамин |
| 🌍TGL | Balawis |
| 🌍THA | ปลาสลิดทะเลจุดขาว |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 白點臭都魚 (泥鯭 / 臭肚魚) · 長鰭臭肚魚 |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amphacanthus dorsalis | Valenciennes | 1835 | Synonym |
| Amphacanthus guttatus oramin | Bloch & Schneider | 1801 | Synonym |
| Chaetodon canaliculatus | Park | 1797 | Synonym |
| Siganus oramin | Bloch & Schneider | 1801 | Synonym |
| Teuthis dorsalis | Valenciennes | 1835 | Synonym |
| Teuthis oramin | Bloch & Schneider | 1801 | Synonym |
| Theutis dorsalis | Valenciennes | 1835 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 62 records indexed .
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