Siganus uspi Gawel & Woodland, 1974
Bicolored foxface
photo by Muséum-Aquarium de Nancy/B. Alenda

Family:  Siganidae (Rabbitfishes)
Max. size:  24 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine
Distribution:  Western Pacific: endemic to Fiji, with strays recorded from New Caledonia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 7-7; Anal soft rays: 9-9; Vertebrae: 23-23. Color dark purplish brown except pectoral fins, soft portions of dorsal and anal fins, caudal fin, and posterior part of body; demarcation of 2 colors is sharp. Preopercular angle 110°-114°; strong overlapping scales cover cheeks, 9-10 rows deep below center of orbit; midline of thorax fully scaled. Spines stout, pungent and venomous. Snout slightly shorter and less tubular, less concave above the nostrils. Caudal fin slightly incised.
Biology:  Found among hard corals at the faces of drop-offs at reef edges or in deep pools inside reef crests. Juveniles form schools, adults occur in pairs. Feeds on seaweeds (Ref. 9813).
IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened (NT); Date assessed: 12 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  venomous


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