[3] The specific name virgatus was not explained by Valenciennes but it means "striped", this is presumed to be a reference to the two oblique brown bands on the front part of the body and head of this fish.

[5] Siganus virgatus has a deep and laterally compressed body which has a depth which fits 1.8 to 2.3 times into its standard length.

The dorsal profile of the head is bulging and the front nostril has a high flange, slightly higher and pointed to the rear.

[7] Siganus virgatus is found in the Indo-Pacific region from southern India and Sri Lanka eastwards to West Papua and Western Australia, north to the Ryukyu Islands.

An individual was collected off the Adriatic island of Cres, but it thought that this is the result of deliberate introduction or transportation in ships ballast.

Spawning occurs at dusk, in the hot months, coinciding with the lunar cycle, in the first quarter of the moon.