The Brown Spotted Spinefoot (Siganus stellatus), also known as the brown-spotted rabbitfish, is a reef-associated herbivorous fish found throughout the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the Red Sea, East Africa, and extending to the western Pacific. Distinguished by its oval body, mottled brown spots, and venomous spines, this species is valued both for its role in local diets and its ecological importance in controlling algae growth on coral reefs. The top countries engaged in harvesting Brown Spotted Spinefoot include Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and other Red Sea nations, as well as India, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines. In these regions, the fish is caught primarily through artisanal and small-scale fisheries using nets and traps, supplying local markets where it is prized for its mild flavor. While not a major export commodity, the Brown Spotted Spinefoot supports coastal livelihoods and is an important component of subsistence and commercial fisheries across its range.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saudi Arabia | 14 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.