37. Siganus vermiculatus (Valenciennes, 1835)

Vermiculated spinefoot (Figure 38)

Material examined: 1 ex.; 22.07.11; Shankarpur, Reg. No. MARC /ZSI/F3737 .

Description: D: XIII, 10; A: VII, 9. Body bluish white; head brown to brownish or golden yellow with irregular blue lines. Preopercular angle 91°-102°; strong overlapping scales cover cheeks; midline of thorax scaled, not pelvic ridges. Anterior nostril with low flange, broadened slightly posteriorly. Spines stout, blunt or pungent, and venomous. Body deep and compressed, its depth contained 1.9 to 2.2 times in standard length. Nape convex, interorbital space concave, snout convex, deep and blunt; a forward-directed spine present in front of dorsal fin, but imbedded in nape; caudal fin emarginated. head and body with a vermiculate pattern. Dark spots also present on soft parts of dorsal and anal fins, arranged in rows, the proximal row prominent; other parts of median fins dusky; pectoral fins hyaline; pelvic fins dusky and golden yellow.

Distribution: Indo-West Pacific: India, Sri Lanka, Andaman Islands, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Belau, Guam, New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Western Australia, Pohnpei, Caroline Islands, Ebon Island and Marshall Islands.

IUCN Status (2012): Least Concern (LC).

Remarks: The fish has a commercial value. Ornamental & venomous. Size: 45 cm.