Reef EcoTours.com

FIELD GUIDE LINKS:
Home
Fishes
Corals
Invertebrates
Algae
Info
Search
Tools
 
INTERNET LINKS:
Reef Base
Fish Base
Google
Magnetic Island Map
Magnetic Island Fauna List

Family Siganidae - Rabbitfishes

Siganus punctatus - Spotted Rabbitfish

An adult Spotted Rabbitfish.

 

An adult Spotted Rabbitfish. Note the pale spot on the tail base, which is an identification characteristic.

 

A juvenile Spotted Rabbitfish.

 

Distinguishing features

A medium sized greyish blue fish with numerous orange spots covering the body. Seen from any distance underwater, the fish appears blue-grey with a distinct pale spot on the base of the tail. The orange spots are only evident at very close range, and the darker circle behind the gill cover can be flashed on and off at will. Maximum size about 30cm.

Locations

Potentially found in most bays with coral reefs. The only island record is a single adult specimen seen in Florence Bay.

Habitat Preferences

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

Biology & Ecology

The spotted 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:

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 .

 

Reef EcoTours.com