Masked spinefoot

Masked spinefoot
Scientific classification
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

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[1] Fishbase

[2] Australian museum Fish site