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A pair of Barred Rabbitfish.

A large feeding school of Barred Rabbitfish and other herbivores at Lizard Island, Northern GBR. Barred Rabbitfish at Magnetic Island do not exhibit this mass schooling behaviour, probably because of their low numbers.

Distinguishing features

Locations

Found in most bays with coral reefs.

Habitat Preferences

Reef flats with plentiful algae, sand and rubble areas, also reef slopes and crests.

Biology & Ecology

The barred rabbitfish is a roving herbivore, moving around the reef in pairs and feeding on turf algae, seagrass and macroalgae. They spawn in groups during the warmer months, when fast running tidal currents coincide with dawn and dusk. They are mature at about 2 years of age, and the spawning takes place at a regular lunar phase.

DANGEROUS: There dorsal spines are poisonous and can be used to inflict a painful wound if the fish is handled.

First Aid:

• Control bleeding
• Immerse the wound in hot water (45C) for 30-90 minutes
• Treat for shock
• Give analgesics
• Clean the wound and apply antiseptics
• Seek medical advice

Papers and articles

J.H. Choat, K.D. Clements, W.D. Robbins. 2002. The trophic status of herbivorous fishes on coral reefs 1: Dietary analyses. Marine Biology (2002) 140: 613–623 .

J.H. Choat, K.D. Clements, W.D. Robbins. 2004. The trophic status of herbivorous fishes on coral reefs 2: Food processing modes and trophodynamics. Marine Biology (2004) 145: 445–454 .

Yong Ju Park, Akihiro Takemura, and Young Don Lee. 2006. Lunar-synchronized reproductive activity in the pencil-streaked
rabbitfish Siganus doliatus in the Chuuk Lagoon, Micronesia. Ichthyol Res (2006) 53: 179–181 .