The Siganus lineatus appears to be particularly common in the south of the Maldives, but it is not seen in the vicinity of Malé. It is very closely related to S. guttatus (Bloch), which differs by having entirely yellow spots.
Details
§ 01
size
Common to 25 cm; max. 43 cm
color
Bluish above, silvery below. Horizontal golden lines on sides. The lines are broken into spots on the dorsal and anal sides of the fish and also at the caudal peduncle. A large golden spot below the soft dorsal.
This species is commonly found in schools in coastal regions, particularly in shallow coral reefs. Adults and sub-adults can be seen on the reef flats, while younger individuals are usually found above the mangroves. They feed by scraping algae from coral surfaces and by consuming seaweeds and seagrasses.
distinctive characters
This fish has a dorsal fin with 13 spines and 10 rays, an anal fin with 7 spines and 9 rays, and a pectoral fin with 17 rays. Its body is deep and compressed, with a dorsal profile of the head slightly convex, minute scales, and a slightly forked caudal fin. Its body depth is 1.8-2.2 in standard length.