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Rabbitfishes
often travel in schools. They feed on algae and seagrass and are active
during the day. The spines on its fins are grooves and contain toxins
that can sting painfully if the fish is carelessly handled. It is
named for its rabbit-like snout. It is also called Spinefoot after
the spines on its pelvic fins.
Human uses: The White-spotted
rabbitfish (Siganus canaliculatus) is highly sought after for
the table during the Lunar New Year. Called 'Pei Tor', the Chinese
believe it brings good luck. At this time, the fishes breed and their
roe are particularly relished. Some of the more colourful reef rabbitfishes
are also collected for the aquarium trade.
Status and threats: Over-collection
of the White-spotted rabbitfish during their breeding season can affect
their populations. |
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Links
Family
Siganidae from FishBase: Technical
fact sheet on the family, including fact sheets on individual species.
White-spotted
Spinefoot (Siganus canaliculatus) on Eileen's Fish Species page:
a brief fact sheet with photo.
Other references
- Lim, Kelvin K.
P. & Jeffrey K. Y. Low, 1998. A Guide to the Common Marine Fishes
of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre. 163 pp. online
version
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