Rabbitfish (Siganidae)
Rabbitfish Family Characteristics:
The rabbitfish have deep oblong bodies and are fairly laterally compressed. The mouth is small and equipped for browsing on algae and other vegetation. The spines on the dorsal and anal fins are venomous, so be sure to handle these fishes extremely carefully. They have an alternative common name of 'Spinefoot', a reference to the fact that unsuspecting waders who disturb grazing fish risk a wound on the foot caused by the fishes spines. Juveniles are often more brightly colored than adults.
Only a dozen or so species belong to this family, but they have an economic significance in the tropics, where they are caught for food.
Diet And Feeding:
Rabbitfish must have vegetable matter in their diet, although they will adapt to established dried foods and live foods in the aquarium.
Aquarium Behavior:
Rabbitfish are active, fast growing fishes that need plenty of swimming space.
List Of Popular Aquarium Rabbitfish:
- Foxface, Fox Fish, Badgerfish (Siganus vulpinus)
- Silver Badgerfish, Double Barred Spinefoot (Siganus virgatus)
- Bicolor Foxface (Lo uspi)
- Decorated Rabbitfish (Siganus puellus)
- Little Spinefoot (Siganus spinus)
- One Spot Foxface (Siganus unimaculatus)
