Streamlined spinefoot
| Streamlined spinefoot | |
|---|---|
|  | |
| A group of Siganus argenteus | |
| not assessed | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia | 
| Phylum: | Chordata | 
| Class: | Actinopterygii | 
| Order: | Perciformes | 
| Family: | Siganidae | 
| Genus: | Siganus | 
| Species: | S. argenteus | 
| Binomial name | |
| Siganus argenteus (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825)[1] | |
The streamlined spinefoot, Siganus argenteus, is a species of rabbitfish. It grows to 20 to 40 cm long, and lives in shallow areas of the Indo-Pacific, typically ranging from 2 to 40 m deep. Like all rabbitfish, it has venomous spines on most of its fins.
Description
It has a blue body with a silvery underside, with dark-brown markings, mostly spots and curved lines; it has 13 venomous dorsal spines, seven anal spines, and silvery-yellow irises. Brown markings become more prominent when it is scared, and its fins will become rigid and erect. It has fine scales on the cheeks and gills; the midline of its thorax is without scales.
Diet
Siganus argenteus is a herbivore, feeding mainly on algae in shallow rocky areas and reefs. It is most commonly found in groups of 10 to 15.