Blue-spotted Spinefoot Siganus corallinus

Spinefoots belong to the Rabbitfish genus. Native to coral reefs, the smiling Blue-spotted Spinefoot has two main colour and pattern variations, a darker orange form with fewer, smaller spots in the western Pacific (Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines) and a yellower form with larger, light blue spots around the Great Barrier Reef. Some claim it is two species, the former being S. studeri.

They grow to 25-35cm long.

When stressed they can change colour and pattern and raise their venomous dorsal spines to protect themselves.

They spend much of their time grazing on algae and seaweed. Adults pair up, often in single-sex pairs, as a mutual protection strategy since rabbitfishes are constantly nibbling at reefs and one of the pair can remain on lookout. Juveniles school together.

If S. studeri, the darker orange form with fewer, smaller spots in the western Pacific (Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines) is a valid species, then those immediately above are studeri. (Without the slight blue cast, the orange is even darker.)