Blue-spotted spinefoot
📖 Overview
Occurs in coral-rich areas of lagoons. Juveniles found in small schools in shallow seagrass beds and reefs; often found among Acropora corals. Adults usually in pairs on shallow coral reefs and feed on benthic algae. A food fish that is occasionally poisonous .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 7; Anal soft rays: 9; Vertebrae: 13. Head, body and fins orange-yellow; pale blue ocelli with darker blue margins on head, thorax and sides; spots about pinhead size, larger and more crowded on head, sometimes smaller on sides; ocelli may extend onto bases of dorsal and anal fins, and on bases of outer rays of caudal fin. Very small juveniles (up to 50 mm SL) may have vertical blue lines on side, fragmenting into the ocelli with increase in size. Orbit with a diffused-edged dark, triangular smudge; orange-brown iris Fin spines stout, pungent and venomous. Midline of thorax and ridges fully scaled.: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Blue-spotted spinefoot is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 3 - 30 m , usually 5 - 30 m . Tropical; 24°C - 27°C ; 30°N - 30°S, 49°E - 170°E West Pacific: Aldabra Islands, Seychelles, Maldives, Andaman Sea, Thailand, Indonesia, Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Singapore, Viet Nam, Philippines, Ryukyu Islands, Ogasawara Islands, Palau, ?Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Australia, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia.
🌿 Ecology
benthic algae
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
⚠️ Venom Profile
- immediate intense pain
- swelling
- erythema
- occasional nausea and weakness
Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.
References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Blue-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 | 18.5 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 100 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Blue-spotted spinefoot has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 16 records indexed .
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