Siganus
Siganus is a genus of herbivorous fish in the family Siganidae, commonly known as rabbitfish or spinefoot. These fish are found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. They are characterized by their distinctive, rabbit-like appearance with elongated, pointed snouts and prominent canine teeth.
Common Names
Common names for fish in the genus Siganus include:
- Rabbitfish
- Spinefoot
- Foxface
- Surgeonfish (rarely)
Characteristics
Siganus species exhibit several shared characteristics:
- Body shape: Elongated and compressed laterally, with a pointed snout and large eyes.
- Mouth: Equipped with prominent canine teeth, adapted for grazing on algae.
- Dorsal fin: Two distinct dorsal fins, the first with strong, spiny rays, the second with soft rays.
- Anal fin: Similar to the second dorsal fin, with soft rays.
- Caudal fin: Rounded or slightly forked.
- Scales: Small and cycloid (rounded).
- Coloration: Varies widely between species, with some exhibiting bright, colorful patterns.
- Venomous spines: Siganus species possess sharp, venomous spines on their dorsal and anal fins, which they use for defense.
Environment
Siganus species are primarily found in shallow, coastal waters, including coral reefs, rocky shores, and seagrass beds. They are generally found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, extending from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Pacific islands.
References
For further information on the genus Siganus, refer to the following reliable sources: