Rabbitfishes (Siganidae)
Rabbitfishes
Selection
Catch fish using nets, spear, hook and line, or traps. Be mindful of ciguatera toxin and check the news for a possible outbreak in the area.
Storage
Keep fish chilled in a cooler or refrigerator. Can be frozen for longer storage.
Preparation
- Wash fish well before use.
- Remove the guts with a knife.
Photo Source
US Fish & Wildlife Service
Rabbitfishes
Rabbitfishes have very compressed bodies and venomous fin spines that can cause a painful wound but are not very dangerous (Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources, Guam Department of Agriculture; Myers, 1999).
1 Forktail rabbitfish (Siganus argenteus)
Forktail rabbitfish has a defined V-shape. Can be found around lagoons and seaward reefs in areas of mixed coral and rubble or bare rock, swimming in large schools.
2 Scribbled rabbitfish (Siganus spinus)
Scribbled rabbitfish can be found around reef flats and shallow lagoons in seagrass beds and areas of mixed coral, rubble, or sand, swimming in large schools.
Traditional Names
- Chamorro – mañåhak lesso’ 1; hiteng kåhlao 1; mañåhak ha’tang 2; sesyon 2
- Kosraean – luhluhk; muhlahp; nuesron 1
- Marshallese – muramor
- Palauan – meas; kelsebuul; beduut 1; reked 2 ; chepsall 2
- Samoan – lo; loloa 1; ʻofeʻofe 1; malava 1; anefe 2; paʻulu 2
- Yapese – nnege 1