First record of a mottled spine foot, Siganus fuscescens (Houttuyn, 1782), from the Gulf of Mannar, India.

The present study documents the first occurrence of Siganus fuscescens, known as the mottled spine foot, within the inshore waters of Vaan Island (latitude 8°73 N, longitude 78°16 E) and New Fishing Harbor (latitude 8°84 N, longitude 78°22 E), which are located in the Gulf of Mannar region. The species, commonly referred to as rabbitfishes, was captured by bottom-set gill nets deployed in reefassociated areas of the Gulf of Mannar at a depth of approximately 2-3 m. Furthermore, detailed analyses of the morphometric and meristic characteristics of the specimens were conducted using established taxonomic keys. A comprehensive discussion is also presented, elucidating the distribution patterns of Siganus species within the Gulf of Mannar region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]