Coral Rabbitfish, Siganus corallinus (Valenciennes, 1835)

Scientific name: Siganus corallinus
Alternative name/s:
Bluespotted Spinefoot, Coral Spinefoot, Ocellated Spinefoot, Orange Spinefoot, Pacific Coral Rabbitfish
Coral Rabbitfish Click to enlarge image
Coral Rabbitfish at a depth of 8m, "Challenger Bay", Ribbon Reefs off Cooktown, Queensland, June 2002. Image: Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Siganus
    Species
    corallinus
    Family
    Siganidae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 30 cm in length.

Introduction

The Pacific Coral Rabbitfish is yellow with numerous small blue spots on the head and body. In Australia it is known from the Great Barrier Reef.

Identification

The Pacific Coral Rabbitfish is yellow with numerous small blue spots on the head and body. There is a dark triangular area above and behind the eye. The species has been called Siganus studeri in some publications

Distribution

It is found on coral reefs of the Western Pacific. In Australia it is known from the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

References

  1. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  2. Kuiter, R.H & H. Debelius. 2001. Surgeonfishes, Rabbitfishes and their relatives. A Comprehensive Guide to Acanthuroidei. TMC Publishing. Pp. 208.(as Siganus studeri)
  3. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.