Masked Rabbitfish

Siganus puellus is a species of ray-finned fish in the family Siganidae.

Description

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. It has poisonous spines. When stressed, it will flash and point its poisonous spines at any threat. Its sting is similar to a lionfish.

Distribution

Indo-West Pacific: Cocos-Keeling Islands and the South China Sea to the Gilbert Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to the southern Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia.

Habitat

It occurs in shallow, coral-rich areas of clear lagoons and seaward reefs. Individuals up to 7 cm SL form large schools in shallows, lagoons and outer reef flats, particularly in areas dominated by luxurious growths of Acropora. Adults occur in pairs. Juveniles feed on filamentous algae, adults on algae, tunicates, and sponges. Can inflict painful stings.