How to Identify Barred Spinefoot

To identify Barred Spinefoot (Siganus doliatus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

The body is typically pale yellowish-brown to silvery-white, adorned with numerous fine, wavy, horizontal to slightly oblique dark brown or black lines that extend from the head to the caudal peduncle. A prominent dark bar often runs vertically through the eye. The fins are generally yellowish.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Numerous fine, wavy, dark horizontal lines across the body., A dark bar running vertically through the eye., Venomous spines in dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins.

Dorsal fin

13 spines, 10 soft rays. The spines are venomous.

Tail fin

Slightly emarginate to truncate.

Pectoral fin

16-18 rays.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins have 1 spine and 3 soft rays, flanked by another spine (I,3,I formula), which is characteristic of the family Siganidae. All fin spines are venomous.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Pattern

   Look for the distinctive pattern of numerous fine, wavy, dark horizontal lines covering the entire body, contrasting with a lighter background.

2. 2

   Eye Bar

   A prominent dark bar passing vertically through the eye is a key identifier.

3. 3

   Fin Spines

   The characteristic spine formula of the pelvic fins (I,3,I) and the presence of venomous spines in the dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins confirm it as a rabbitfish.

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