Marbled spinefoot Fishing

A Red Sea species that crossed into the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal, so in Egypt it occurs both in its native range and along the northern coast, where it is among the heaviest commercial catches at Port Said and Alexandria. It is a grazer, so green algae, boiled pasta or bread paste beat animal baits. Use a small size 10-12 hook on a 0.16-0.20 mm snood under a slim float. The dorsal spines are venomous, so handle the fish with a cloth or gloves.

Siganus rivulatus

Marbled spinefoot (Siganus rivulatus)
Photo: Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Season calendar

Jan
Feb
Mar
AprMayJunJulAugSepOctNov
Dec

Active periodSpawning period — release what you catch

Season
April–November
Water temperature
20–31 °C
Spawning
May–July
Behaviour
Daytime bottom forager

Techniques

  • Light float fishing
  • fine bottom rig

Frequently asked

When is the best time to catch marbled spinefoot?
The productive window for marbled spinefoot runs April–November. May–July is the spawning period; releasing your catch during these months is strongly advised.
What water temperature does marbled spinefoot feed in?
Marbled spinefoot is most active between 20 and 31 °C. Outside that band its feeding rate drops off.
How do you fish for marbled spinefoot?
Common methods: Light float fishing, fine bottom rig.

Species that fish under similar conditions

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