Maze Rabbitfish

The vermiculated spinefoot has a deep and laterally compressed body which has a depth which fits 1.9 to 2.2 times into its standard length. The nape is bulging with a slight indentation above each eye. The deep, blunt snout also bulges. The front nostril has a flange which is slightly widened to its rear. There is a recumbent spine to the front of the dorsal fin. Like all rabbitfishes, the dorsal fin has 13 spines and 10 soft rays, while the anal fin has 7 spines and 9 soft rays. The fin spines hold venom glands. The caudal fin is emarginate. This species attains a maximum total length of 45 cm (18 in), although 30 cm (12 in) is more typical. The body is covered in a grey and whitish complex maze-like or reticulate pattern with a patch of yellow on the head and spots on the caudal fin.

The vermiculated spinefoot is found from southern India and Sri Lanka eastwards into the western Pacific Ocean as far east as Palau and Guam, south to Vanuatu, Fiji and New Caledonia and Australia. In Australia it has been reported from Darnley Island and Townsville in northern Queensland but its presence in Australian waters needs to be confirmed. It is found in shallow, coastal waters, especially estuaries. Both adults and juveniles are commonest shallow, sediment-laden waters in mangroves, following the tide in and out. Adults are occasionally encountered in clear water in the vicinity of reefs or above sandy substrates.