Siganus puelloides is one of the 29 species of fish that make up the rabbitfishes family (Siganidae). We find this species in the waters of the Indian Ocean, especially in the Andaman Sea, the Maldives and the Similan Islands. This fish is associated with coral reefs, where we will observe it at depths no deeper than 20-30 meters.
The body of Siganus puelloides is oblong, relatively slender and laterally compressed. They reach maximum total lengths of 31 cm. The rabbitfishes family is notable for having a pronounced snout that resembles a rabbit, and a relatively small mouth. The dorsal profile of the head is almost straight, with a slight convexity at eye level. The dorsal fin is unique, consisting of a region of 13 spines followed by a region of 10 soft rays. The fourth to sixth spines of the dorsal fin are longer than the rest of the spines and rays of the dorsal fin. The anal fin is made up of 7 spines and 9 soft rays, the last spine being the longest of the entire anal fin and equal in length to the longest spine of the dorsal fin. The caudal fin has a forked shape.
As for the coloration of Siganus puelloides, the predominant color of the body is brownish yellow, darker dorsally and pale ventrally. It presents some small scattered and diffuse brown spots on the sides. These spots are characteristic of this species, and are the feature that differentiates Siganus puelloides from its close relative Siganus puellus. Another feature of Siganus puelloides is the presence of a blackish colored patch in the eye area, as well as a black arc next to the aperture of the operculum.
The diet of Siganus puelloides is moderately varied, and consists of different benthic organisms, such as tunicates, sponges and even algae.
It is common to observe adult specimens of this species forming pairs, since once they reach sexual maturity, they look for a partner with whom they will maintain close contact.
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