The streamlined spinefoot, Siganus argenteus inhabits tropical coastal and inner reef slopes and lagoons, ranging from East Africa to French Polynesia. They are important components of the herbivorous reef fauna. They spawn pelagic eggs and the reproductive cycle is synchronized with lunar periods. These characteristics jointly with their economic and cultural value in the region make it a potential species for aquaculture.
The aim of the research is to develop the basic technology for culturing S. argenteus in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, in order to meet demand for seafood, food security and stock enhancement, encouraging and helping farmers and fishing communities to improve their socioeconomic condition supporting healthy ocean populations and ecosystems.
Several attempts on the larval rearing of this species were made. Eggs obtained from natural spawning after full moon were incubated in 500 liter plastic tanks with green water. Different feeding schedules, illumination and temperatures were tested. Results showed that the seed production in captivity is feasible, the main factor to be considered is the size of the live prey at first feeding because of the small size of the mouth in the larvae of this species.