---
title: Rabbitfishes (Siganidae)
scientific_name: Siganidae
common_name: Rabbitfishes
rank: Family
published: 2024-11-19T18:41:51.573Z
updated: 2026-08-08T12:52:19.593Z
tags: Rabbitfishes, Siganidae, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/rabbitfishes
---

# Rabbitfishes (*Siganidae*)

## Quick facts

- **Rank:** Family
- **Scientific name:** Siganidae
- **Body shape:** Oval - Egg-shaped body, deeper than it is thick - damselfishes, surgeonfishes.
- **Species listed here:** 4

## How to recognise this group

- oval, compressed body
- small, puckered mouth
- prominent, sharp spines on dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins
- often seen grazing on algae

Rabbitfishes (Siganidae), also known as spinefoots, have laterally compressed, oval bodies and small, rabbit-like mouths, which gave rise to their common name. All species possess sharp, venomous spines in their dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins. Species reach up to 40 cm (16 in) in length, displaying varied colour patterns that are often mottled for camouflage, though some feature distinct spots or stripes.

These diurnal herbivores inhabit coral reefs, rocky areas, and seagrass beds in shallow waters, typically between 1 and 30 metres (3-100 ft) deep. They primarily graze on benthic algae. Juveniles often form schools, but adults are more commonly observed solitary or in pairs, feeding actively throughout the day. They are frequently encountered across these habitats.


## Species (4)

- [Forktail Rabbitfish (Siganus argenteus)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/rabbitfishes/forktail-rabbitfish)
- [Rivulated Rabbitfish (Siganus rivulatus)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/rabbitfishes/rivulated-rabbitfish)
- [Squretail Rabbitfish (Siganus luridus)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/rabbitfishes/squretail-rabbitfish)
- [Stellate Rabbitfish (Siganus stellatus laqueus)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/rabbitfishes/stellate-rabbitfish)

---

*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/rabbitfishes)*
*Updated: August 8, 2026*