Poisson lapin à double barre

Barhead spinefoot

  Tropical reef fish

Poisson-lapin à double barre

Identity card

Barhead spinefoot

Scientific name:
Siganus virgatus
Family:
Siganidae
Class:
Actinopterygii
Phylum:
Chordata
Year of description:
Valenciennes, 1835
IUCN Status:
Least Concern
Distribution:

Western Indo-Pacific: from India and Sri Lanka to Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and northern Australia.

Habitat:

Between 0 and 12 m. Shallow coral reefs, lagoons, sandy areas with rocks and soft corals. Tolerates murky water and may enter estuaries and mangroves.

Size:

20 cm on average, 30 cm maximum.

Diet:

Herbivore, seaweed grazer.

 

Young rabbitfish live in mangroves and move to reefs as they grow.

Young fish live in small schools, while adults live in monogamous pairs.

The dorsal, pelvic and anal fins have venomous spines that can inflict painful wounds.

This rabbitfish owes its name to the two lines on its body: the first starts at the lip and crosses the eye. The second starts at the gill cover and reaches the back. 

Where can I find it at Nausicaá?

Mankind and shores

Poisson-lapin à double barre

The Ocean Mag

Browse through our Ocean Mag

In the spotlight

What is El Niño?

A new El Niño event, described as “very strong”, is set to occur from this spring onwards.

Article

35 ans d’engagement pour l’Océan

Nausicaá renouvelle ses vœux pour les 35 prochaines années.

Article

Tout comprendre sur... Le bien-être animal

Découvrez les critères qui composent le bien-être animal.