Fin's Fish Guide
The Blackeye rabbitfish (Siganus puelloides) is a saltwater fish of the family Siganidae that grows up to 31 cm.
Description
The Blackeye rabbitfish is a rabbitfish (Siganidae) from reef water of the western Indian Ocean, including the Maldives. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a deep, oval, laterally compressed body with a small, rabbit-like mouth. The body is yellow-brown with fine spots and a dark eye stripe. As a grazer it eats algae and seagrass on reefs and in lagoons. The spines in the dorsal, pelvic and anal fins are venomous and can give a painful puncture wound.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blackeye rabbitfish?
The Blackeye rabbitfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Blackeye rabbitfish live?
The Blackeye rabbitfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Myanmar, India, Maldives, Thailand, Andaman Is.
How big does the Blackeye rabbitfish get?
The Blackeye rabbitfish grows to a maximum of about 31 cm.
Is the Blackeye rabbitfish dangerous to humans?
The Blackeye rabbitfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. For a sting from a fin spine: rinse the wound, remove any visible spine fragments and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) to break down the venom. The pain can be severe. For marked swelling, a retained spine or signs of infection seek medical care and check tetanus status.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Siganus
More from the family Siganidae
Want the complete picture on the Blackeye rabbitfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blackeye rabbitfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.