Dusky spinefoot

The Dusky spinefoot has the same characteristics as the marbled spinefoot. It is a lessepsian migrant found abundant in Cypriot waters and whose spawning takes place from April to August. A mature, fully grown fish ranges in length from 10 to 20 centimeters, although it can reach up to 30 centimeters. It is fished with rods, static nets,especially trammel nets, traps and spearfishing. 

It is a benthic and migratory species and is found in the same areas as the white seabream (Diplodus sargus). It is a strictly herbivorous species that feeds on seaweed and algae. 

As an invasive species it is associated with negative biodiversity impacts due to overgrazing, so consumption is recommended to control its numbers. But, conversely, trammel nets targeting spinefoots in Cyprus have long soak durations are a leading cause of green turtle mortality as bycatch which is of serious concern.

It is recommended to ask your fisher or fishmonger where the fish was caught and with which fishing method. Choose locally harvested spinefoots caught by coastal small-scale fisheries, especially those using target-specific traps, or gillnets rather than trammel nets. Avoid fish caught in trammel nets unless fishers can demonstrate low soak durations (less than 5 hours), or that they collaborate with conservation groups on best handling practices for vulnerable species and bycatch reduction.