Mottled spinefoot
📖 Overview
Inhabits algal and seagrass flats and shallow lagoon and coastal reefs . Forms schools. Mainly diurnal. Juveniles feed on filamentous algae, adults feed on leafy algae and seagrasses . Commercially cultured in Japan. Commonly found in large estuaries . Anterolateral glandular groove with venom gland .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 7; Anal soft rays: 9; Vertebrae: 13. Body olive green or brown above, silvery below; fish frequently with a dark patch below origin of lateral line. Adults become mottled when frightened. Slender, pungent, venomous spines. Preopercular angle 89°-95°. Lower half to 2/3 of cheeks commonly covered with weak, scattered scales. Midline of thorax between pelvic ridges. Differs from S. argenteus in details of coloration and less deeply forked tail .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Mottled spinefoot is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
In Belau, ripe individuals form prespawning congregations of 30-60 individuals in shoal areas of inner reef flats; spawning occurs on the 4th or 5th day of the new moon; spawning sites are near reef edge. About 300,000 eggs/female at a single spawning. Individuals that spawn in consecutive yrs. & that 2+ yr. class fish could spawn more than once in a single season. Aug (Ref 1754) in Belau.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; reef-associated; oceanodromous ; depth range 1 - 50 m . Tropical; 42°N - 37°S, 90°E - 171°E
🌿 Ecology
filamentous algae, adults feed on leafy algae and seagrasses (Ref
📐 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
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Mottled 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 | 19.2 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 145 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Mottled 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
👥 Community & Contribute
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