Tropical reef fish
Identity card
Western Indo-Pacific: from India and Sri Lanka to Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and northern Australia.
Between 0 and 12 m. Shallow coral reefs, lagoons, sandy areas with rocks and soft corals. Tolerates murky water and may enter estuaries and mangroves.
20 cm on average, 30 cm maximum.
Herbivore, seaweed grazer.
Young rabbitfish live in mangroves and move to reefs as they grow.
Young fish live in small schools, while adults live in monogamous pairs.
The dorsal, pelvic and anal fins have venomous spines that can inflict painful wounds.
This rabbitfish owes its name to the two lines on its body: the first starts at the lip and crosses the eye. The second starts at the gill cover and reaches the back.
Mankind and shores
