White-spotted rabbitfishes (Siganus canaliculatus) on the Shores of Singapore

wildsingapore homepage

wildfactsheets homepage
wild shores of singapore blog

all animals | all plants | concepts | glossary | search

Phylum Chordata > Subphylum Vertebrata > fishes > Family Siganidae

White-spotted rabbitfish
Siganus canaliculatus
Family Siganidae
updated Feb 11

Where seen? This spiny fish is commonly seen on our Northern shores, especially among seagrasses, sometimes in groups of a few small individuals. It is also sometimes seen on our Southern shores.

Features: Can be quite small (about 8cm or less) to quite large (about 15cm). Body colours vary with its mood and is generally olive with white spots. Sometimes with a dark round blotch behind the gill cover. Often with a white curved bar across the forehead from eye to eye. When it is scared, it displays a 'fright pattern' that is mottled with pale cream and 6-7 dark diagonal bars. It has poisonous spines.

Juveniles may school in large numbers, the numbers reducing as the fishes grow bigger. Adults may be found in large groups at spawning time.

What does it eat? It eats seaweeeds and to a much lesser extent, seagrasses. It is active during the day.

Human uses: The White-spotted rabbitfish is highly sought after for eating during Chinese 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.

Chek Jawa, Apr 03

Status and threats: It is not listed among the threatened animals of Singapore. But like other creatures of the intertidal zone, they are affected by human activities such as reclamation and pollution. Over-fishing can also have an impact on local populations.