Orange-spotted Spinefoot
Siganus guttatus · sy-GAY-nus gut-TAY-tus
diurnalschoolsLeast Concern
EdibleFriendlyDangerousVenomous
Superpower
A built-in set of venomous spines turns this gentle grazer into a prickly mouthful.
At a glance
- Size
- typically 25 cm, up to 42 cm
- Lifespan
- 7–10 years
- Depth
- 1–25 m
Habitat
Reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds, often in brackish water.
Diet
Algae and seagrass.
Can I eat it?
Yes — edible · tastiness 7/10.
How to cook: Grilled or dried ('danggit'); mind the venomous spines when cleaning.
Safety
- Dangerous2/10
Only a hazard to bare hands; gentle toward divers.
- Venomous3/10
Sharp fin spines deliver a painful sting if handled carelessly.
Fun facts
- Danggit (dried rabbitfish) is a famous Cebuano breakfast.
- Its fin spines are venomous, so fishers handle it with care.
- Rabbitfish graze algae and help keep reefs healthy.