Orange-Spotted Rabbitfish

Siganus guttatus 

Habitat & Distribution :  Indo-West Pacific 

Diet : Algae, seaweed 

Size : 43 cm 

Lifespan : 5-12 years

Description

It is characterized by wavy golden-orange stripes on its body and dorsal fin spines. Its body is gray to blue-gray, and its belly is silvery. There is an orange spot at the tip of its dorsal fin. 

Behavior

Found in sheltered waters such as bays and lagoons, near coral reefs or rocks. They live in schools that decrease in size as they mature, with schools of only 10-25 individuals, but can gather in the thousands during spawning. 

Reproduction

Like most rabbitfish, they are highly fecund, oviparous fish that reproduce via external fertilization, often spawning in large aggregations aligned with lunar cycles. They spawn frequently 

Communication & Perception

They communicate primarily through rapid, dramatic color changes to blend into their environment or indicate distress. They are often social, living in pairs or schools, and may use subtle body movements, such as swimming patterns, to interact within their groups 

Predator(s)

Groupers, snappers, other larger predatory fish