Rabbitfishes

Siganidae

Rabbitfishes, scientifically known as spinefoots, belong to the perciform family Siganidae. This family encompasses a total of 29 species, all of which fall under the single genus, Siganus. Previously, some outdated classifications included species with distinctive facial stripes, commonly referred to as foxfaces, in the genus Lo. On the other hand, certain species, like the masked spinefoot, exhibit a less pronounced version of the stripe pattern. Rabbitfishes are primarily found in shallow waters across the Indo-Pacific region. However, two species, S. luridus and S. rivulatus, have successfully established themselves in the eastern Mediterranean through Lessepsian migration. These fishes hold significant commercial value as a source of food and are frequently utilized in the preparation of dishes such as bagoong.