Species guide
How to catch Mottled spinefoot
Siganus fuscescens
The mottled spinefoot, also called black rabbitfish or doctor fish, is a short and deep-bodied fish found in brackish and saltwater around Asia and the Pacific. It feeds almost continually during daylight by grazing on aquatic plants and uses camouflage patterns to sleep at night. This species aggregates in spring to spawn and can grow up to 40 cm long.
Where they live
Found in shallow to moderate depths (1-50 m) in brackish and saltwater areas across Asia, the Pacific, and the Indian Ocean, often near coral reef flats and beachrock areas.
Typical size
Up to about 40 cm
What they eat
- detritus
- filamentous algae
- seagrass species Enhalus
- red algal fronds
- cyanobacteria Lyngbya majuscula
- foraminiferans
Best baits
- algae-based baits
- plant matter
- artificial seaweed baits
- shrimp
Best lures
- soft plastic shrimp imitations
- small jigs
- light spoons
How to fish for them
- bottom fishing
- light tackle casting
- float fishing near reef flats
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