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The rabbit fish, from the Acanthuroidei suborder, is a highly diverse family of brightly colored fish that can be found along coastal areas. It is apparent that some species of the rabbit fish, particularly the Siganidae family, have a high tolerance to saline since they can also be found in brackish waters. Other species of this fish have migrated into fresh water.
The rabbit fish has adapted to its natural environment with odd characteristics. It has an oval shaped body that is flat and thin. They also have two distinct similarities to the animal, the rabbit, which have given this fish its name. One is the amazing mouth that slightly protrudes, baring its sharp teeth. These teeth are used for munching on dead coral branches and flora that is found on rocks. The fish’s feeding behavior is the second of the similarities to the rabbit. It is a continuing action that gives the appearance of constant munching. This is a fascinating family to observe as they move among the coral reef chewing off bits and pieces with their teeth. Another odd characteristic is the razor sharp fin rays that can inflict a painful cut; in fact, some species have poisonous glands along their spines, which immediately releases a toxic substance into the inflicted cut. This has made the rabbit fish less than popular among fishermen and divers.
Many poisonous and non-poisonous species of the rabbit fish are very popular as aquarium specimens. One of the most popular of these is the yellow rabbit fish. This beautifully colored fish has a bright yellow body that is punctuated by a large black dot near the rear. Although it is wary of other fish in the tank it is very seldom known to attack.
Even though little is known about the habits of the rabbit fish around eighteen species have been identified all living in reef areas or along the shallow rocky bottoms of the ocean. Most species are small growing to a length of around five to ten inches. All are colorful and much like the surgeonfish, some species change colors when they are threatened.
One of the main issues that is highlight in the study of rabbit fish was their movement into the Mediterranean Sea. When the Suez Canal opened in 1869, some species of this fish immediately migrated to this new habitat. Interestingly two species, Siganus rivulatus and Siganus luridus are believed to have migrated down the coastline to Turkey and then on to Greece. Upon seeing these new species the local fishermen immediately called them Germans. It was also believed they were named for their amazing ability to penetrate deep into the western areas of the Mediterranean Ocean.
Since the rabbit fish is closely related to the surgeonfish it is believed that their mating behaviors are much the same. The rabbit fish likely spawns in groups after which the eggs float on the waters surface until they have hatched.
Studies of the rabbit fish are currently being attempted to discover more about their habits. But to this date very little is known about these brightly colored fish except what has been observed by those kept in aquariums.
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