The White Spotted Spinefoot (Siganus canaliculatus), also known as the white-spotted rabbitfish, is a herbivorous marine fish found predominantly in the Indo-Pacific region, recognized for its distinctive white spots and sharp venomous spines. This species is highly valued in local fisheries for its mild flavor and is often caught using nets or traps in shallow coastal waters, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. The leading countries harvesting White Spotted Spinefoot include the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, and India, where the fish supports both subsistence and commercial fisheries. In these countries, the species is sold fresh in local markets and, increasingly, farmed in aquaculture systems to meet growing demand. Its popularity is rooted in its culinary versatility and its role in traditional diets, making it an important economic and food resource in Southeast and South Asia.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Qatar | 1,182 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.