Masked spinefoot
| Masked spinefoot | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Siganidae |
| Genus: | Siganus |
| Species: | S. puellus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Siganus puellus (Schlegel, 1852)
| |
The masked spinefoot (Siganus puellus), also known as decorated rabbitfish or masked rabbitfish, occurs in shallow, coral-rich areas of clear lagoons and seaward reefs of the Indo-West Pacific region[1] at depths of 10 to 100 feet.
Its body is yellow-orange dorsally grading through pale blue to white below. The body is also covered with wavy blue lines that are vertical anteriorly and horizontal posteriorly. The eyes are masked by a prominent blackish stripe that extends from the bottom of the mouth to the top of the head. As the black stripe passes the eye it becomes spotted.[2]
Care needs to be taken with them, as they have venomous spines. When stressed, they will flash and point their venomous spines at any threat. Its sting is similar to a lionfish.
References
