Overview
Tropicalized herbivorous species, very common in rocky areas rich in algae.
Identification
Venomous dorsal spinesFlattened bodySharp headSmall herbivorous mouthLarge eyesColor variations on the bodySharp finsCamouflage pattern
- Body
- Elongated body, flattened laterally with a sharp head.
- Colouration
- Generally gray-brown with variations that can include darker stripes or spots.
- Sexual dimorphism
- Absent/Not prominent
- Growth
- Medium; they grow slowly in the first years.
Taxonomy
- Family
- Siganidae
- Order
- Perciformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
Related species
Siganus rivulatusSiganus virgatusSiganus stellatusSiganus unimaculatusSiganus vulpinus
Habitat & distribution
- Environment
- coast, reefs
- Preferred bottom
- rock, reef, seagrass
- Geographic distribution
- Found in the eastern Mediterranean Sea and along the coasts of northeastern Africa and the Middle East. Also present in some areas of the Red Sea.
- Micro-habitat
- Often found among rocks and algae where it feeds and shelters from predators.
Often observed in shallow coastal waters with abundant algae.
Presence by sea area
Ionio NordPeak
Ionio CentroPeak
Sicilia TirrenoPeak
Sicilia Ionio CanalePeak
Eu Mediterraneo EstPeak
Af Mar Rosso NordPeak
Af Mar Rosso CentroPeak
Af Mar Rosso SudPeak
Af Indiano EstPeak
As Mar ArabicoPeak
As Golfo BengalaPeak
As Mar Cinese SudPeak
Au Nw ShelfPeak
Au Gbr NordPeak
Au Gbr CentroPeak
Oc FijiPeak
Oc MicronesiaPeak
Oc PapuaPeak
Diet
- Primary prey
- algae, sea plants
- Secondary prey
- phytoplankton, small invertebrates
- Occasional prey
- zooplankton, coral polyps
- Feeding behaviour
- Diurnal, grazes on algae from the surface of rocks and corals.
- Natural predators
- large predatory fish, seabirds, sea snakes
Herbivorous diet limits competition with many other carnivorous species.
Behaviour
- Activity
- diurnal
- Social behaviour
- small_groups
- Aggressiveness
- low
- Migration
- Non-migratory
- Seasonal behaviour
- Its activity might increase during warmer months when algae, its main food source, are more abundant.
- Juveniles
- Young ones form small schools for mutual protection and socialization.
- Adults
- Adults are more solitary or form small, often territorial groups.
Reproduction
- Spawning season
- June, July, August
- Spawning depth
- Between 30 and 100 feet
- Eggs
- Small pelagic eggs that develop in open water.
- Larval stage
- Larvae are pelagic and drift with currents before settling in grassy habitats.
- Sexual maturity
- Varies between 2 and 4 years
When to catch Dusky spinefoot
Activity calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
PeakGoodLowInactive
Activity by season
Best times
Daymattino, pomeriggio
Night—
This species shows peak fishing activity in spring, summer and autumn, when the productivity index (FPI) reaches its highest values.
Fishing activity decreases in winter, when conditions are less favourable.
Ideal conditions
Atmospheric pressure
Low
Very active and less suspicious.
Medium
Regular activity.
High
Stays near rocks.
Barometric trend
Water temperature
10°COptimal zone: 14-24°C27°C
Preferred tide: moving
Where to catch it
Best spots
rocky outcropscoral reefsseagrass bedsrocky shores
Bottom preference
Spot type
Fishing techniques
Recommended
handline fishinglight trollingspearfishingbobber fishing
Other applicable
SpinningRock FishingSpinning LeggeroBologneseBolognese LeggeraLight Rock FishingPesca A Fondo LeggeraPesca A Galleggiante
Recommended baits
algae piecesbreadgrain-based bait
Baits by pressure
Low
GrubSoftbait piccolo / LRF
Medium
Gambero morto / GamberoPezzo di pesce
High
AlgaBigattinoPasta / PastellaVerme americanoPane raffermoArenicola
Catch & handling tips
- Fight
- Does not put up much of a fight, but may attempt quick dashes.
- Handling
- Wear thick gloves to handle and avoid venomous spines.
- Release
- Release quickly and carefully, preferably in deeper water near rocks or algae.
Curiosities & culture
- Record catches
- Rabbitfish catches in the Mediterranean can exceed a kilogram in weight. It is of interest in recreational fishing in some areas but not particularly sought for large sizes.
- In the kitchen
- Not commonly eaten, but occasionally used in fish soups.
- Cultural notes
- Considered invasive in some parts of the Mediterranean, it has a significant impact on local marine vegetation.
- Historical notes
- Native to the Red Sea, it spread into the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal.
