Orange Spotted Rabbitfish “Siganus guttatus”

Description

This orange spotted rabbitfish is a rabbitfish from the eastern Indian Ocean. among coral rubble. Sadly, often encountered trapped in driftnets. It is said to be found in turbid reefs near mangroves and appears to prefer places with lower salinity. Young fishes settle in seagrass beds near river mouths while adults leave and enter rivers with the tides. Adults travel in groups of 10-15. Unlike other rabbitfishes, this species is said to be active at night.

The rabbitfish has spines on its fins that are grooved and contain venom glands. These spines may be found on the dorsal, anal and pelvic fins. The sting of these spines can be quite painful to humans, but is generally not fatal. The fishes use their spines in self-defence and not for hunting prey.