Little spinefoot
📖 Overview
Adults inhabit shallow coral reef flats. Found in rivers . Occurs in small schools (usually less than 10 individuals). Juveniles gather in larger numbers in corals with algae-grown at their bases . Initially, they browse on fine textured, e.g. filamentous algae, switching to coarser algae with increasing size. Both adults and juveniles are diurnal feeders . Fry are marketed fresh, pickled in brine or made into fish paste . Can inflict painful stings .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 7; Anal soft rays: 9; Vertebrae: 13. The species can adopt a number of camouflage patterns involving off-white, pale gray to blackish, and various shades of brown. The basic pattern consists of a labyrinth of narrow bands with upper half vermiculate, the lower ones tend to meander horizontally. This pattern extends to the fins. Iris golden dissected by a chocolate cross. 4-5 irregular off-white bars on caudal peduncle. Scales fine on cheeks, densely packed over lower 2/3 of preopercular region. Midline of thorax without scales between pelvic ridges. Fin spines stout, pungent, venomous. Preopercular angle 87-100 degrees.: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Little spinefoot is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 50 m , usually 1 - 20 m . Tropical; 24°C - 28°C ; 30°N - 30°S, 77°E - 129°W West Pacific: Known from India to French Polynesia; north to Japan; south to New Caledonia.
🌿 Ecology
📐 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
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amphacanthus guamensis | Valenciennes | 1835 | Synonym |
| Amphacanthus marmoratus | Quoy & Gaimard | 1825 | Synonym |
| Amphacanthus scaroides | Bleeker | 1853 | Synonym |
| Amphacanthus striolatus | Günther | 1861 | Synonym |
| Sigamus spinus | Linnaeus | 1758 | Synonym |
| Siganus marmoratus | Quoy & Gaimard | 1825 | Synonym |
| Siganus striolatus | Günther | 1861 | Synonym |
| Sparus spinus | Osbeck | 1757 | Heterotypic |
| Teuthis marmorata | Quoy & Gaimard | 1825 | Synonym |
| Teuthis striolata | Günther | 1861 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 35 records indexed .
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