Golden-spotted rabbitfish (Siganus punctatus) is a saltwater species recorded in Hong Kong, Taiwan. It is mainly found over reef, estuary, at depths of 1–40 m.
Scientific name: Siganus punctatus · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 40 cm
The Golden-spotted rabbitfish is a spinefoot covered in small gold spots, and the spines of its dorsal and anal fins are venomous. Juveniles school in groups of up to about 50 and pairing starts as small as 15 cm, though fish may still be schooling at 22 cm standard length; older fish live in pairs. It lives on clear lagoons and seaward reefs, with juveniles in shallow estuaries and adults on deeper coastal reefs, and it feeds on benthic algae. Taiwan's western, southern and Penghu reefs, coral and estuaries are the main grounds, where it is a popular rock- and raft-fishing target taken on small hooks baited with algae, bread or shrimp. It reaches about 40 cm, occurs from 1 to 40 m, and IUCN lists it as Least Concern. No season has been verified for it.
Caution: has venomous spines. Take great care when unhooking and handling; the sting is extremely painful.
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