Home · Siganidae · Barred rabbitfish
Barred rabbitfish (Siganus doliatus) — Siganidae

Barred rabbitfish

Siganus doliatus
Family: Siganidae
LC · Least Concern

The Barred rabbitfish (Siganus doliatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Siganidae that grows up to 25 cm.

Length
25 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–15.0 m
Diet
Herbivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The barred rabbitfish is a rabbitfish (Siganidae) from the western Pacific. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a deep body with a handsome pattern of blue and yellow lines and two oblique dark bars across the front. It inhabits coral-rich parts of lagoons and seaward reefs. Juveniles form schools; from about 7 cm the fish form pairs, which continue to feed in loose groups, sometimes together with juvenile parrotfishes. It grazes on algae. The dorsal and pelvic fin spines are venomous and inflict a painful puncture wound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Barred rabbitfish?

The Barred rabbitfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Barred rabbitfish live?

The Barred rabbitfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Barred rabbitfish get?

The Barred rabbitfish grows to a maximum of about 25 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.

Is the Barred rabbitfish dangerous to humans?

The Barred rabbitfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.

Is the Barred rabbitfish edible?

Yes, the Barred rabbitfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Gebandeerde konijnvis sourced
English name
Barred rabbitfish verified
Scientific name
Siganus doliatus
Family
Siganidae
Other names
Barred rabbitfish; Barred spinefoot; Bluelined rabbitfish; Blue-lined rabbitfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
25.0 verified
Average length (cm)
20.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold inferred
Pattern
Horizontal stripes inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
15.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Siganus

More from the family Siganidae

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