Vermiculated spinefoot
📖 Overview
Juveniles live among mangroves then move out to lagoon and coastal reefs as they mature. Forms schools. Feeds on algae growing on seagrasses, mangrove roots and rocks. Adults congregate inshore in groups of several hundreds to spawn in summer. Spawning is by pairs; sticky eggs laid on the bottom. Its very high quality flesh commands premium prices . Adults on coastal reefs, subject to strong currents . This species can tolerate very low salinities (2 ppt) and temperatures up to 38 C .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 7; Anal soft rays: 9; Vertebrae: 13. Body bluish white; head brown to brownish or golden yellow with irregular blue lines. Preopercular angle 91°-102°; strong overlapping scales cover cheeks; midline of thorax scaled, not pelvic ridges. Anterior nostril with low flange, broadened slightly posteriorly. Spines stout, blunt or pungent, and venomous.: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Vermiculated spinefoot is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Throughout summer, adults form inshore breeding groups of several hundred individuals on the 7th or 8th days of the lunar month; pairs break from these groups to spawn. The species has a high fecundity of 350,000/spawning season.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 20 m , usually 0 - 15 m . Tropical; 19°C - 38°C ; 30°N - 30°S, 77°E - 20°W West Pacific: India, Sri Lanka, Andaman Islands, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Belau [=Palau], Guam, New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu, ?New Caledonia, ?Western Australia, ?Pohnpei, Caroline Islands, ?Ebon Island and Marshall Islands.
🌿 Ecology
algae growing on seagrasses, mangrove roots and rocks
📐 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
"Vermiculated 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 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 99 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Vermiculated 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Maze Rabbit-fish · Maze Rabbitfish · reticulated spinefoot · Scribbled Spinefoot · vermiculate rabbitfish · Vermiculate Spinefoot · Vermiculated spinefoot |
| 🏳️Catalan | Gitano de Bangladesh |
| 🌍CES | králíčkovec síťovaný |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Netmønstret kaninfisk |
| 🇫🇷French | Picot · Sigan vermicelle |
| 🇮🇹Italian | Pesce coniglio vermicolato |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Mushikuiaigo · ムシクイアイゴ |
| 🌍MSA | Belaris · Belibas · Bliais · Debam · Dengkis · Gelibas · Ketang lada · Lumban |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Peixe-coelho-psicodélico |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Ленточный сиган |
| 🌍TGL | Balawis |
| 🌍THA | ปลาสลิดทะเลลาย |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 蠕紋臭肚魚 |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amphacanthus russelii | Valenciennes | 1835 | Heterotypic |
| Amphacanthus vermiculatus | Valenciennes | 1835 | Synonym |
| Siganus shortlandensis | Seale | 1906 | Synonym |
| Teuthis vermiculatus | Valenciennes | 1835 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 12 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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