Dusky Rabbitfish (Siganus fuscescens) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Dusky Rabbitfish is a spotted fish of coastal reefs and seaweed beds in the western Pacific and eastern Indian Ocean. Its fin spines are and can cause painful punctures.

Appearance

Appearance: Its oval body is olive brown to gray, with many small pale blue spots and a lighter belly.

Look-alikes

White-spotted rabbitfishSiganus canaliculatus

In a clear side photo, look between the front of the dorsal fin and the : dusky rabbitfish has about 4–6 rows of spots, while white-spotted rabbitfish (Siganus canaliculatus) has 2–3. Studies disagree on whether they are separate species, so a photo may not settle it.

Why they get mixed upBoth have a brown body covered in pale spots.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: coastal reefs
seaweed beds
Range: In the U.S., it occurs around Guam in the Mariana Islands. Its wider range is in the western Pacific and eastern Indian Ocean.

Cautions

Cautions: The spines in its fins are venomous and can cause a painful puncture.

Name and classification

About the name: It is also called mottled spinefoot.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction

10 sources