Rabbitfish
a new alternative
Rabbitfish are also known as dusky (S. luridus) and marbled (S. rivulatus) spinefoot. Dusky and marbled describe the patterned appearance of their grey-green to light-brown to yellow backs; spinefoot refers to their dorsal fins which present an encircling array of venomous spines to potential predators.
Siganus rivulatus, Siganus luridus
What I eat
I am herbivorous: I eat benthic algae and weeds.
Where I’m from
I’m a subtropical fish and I reach the Mediterranean through the Suez canal.
Mature size
12 cm – 14 cm.
How you can help
I’m abundant, but I’m not popular in restaurants or in local cuisine, so only fishers and locals eat me. Choosing me can help to reduce fishing pressure on the most consumed species, such as groupers, and support the livelihoods of local fishers.
Idea how to cook
Rabbitfish
with potato and seasonal greens
by Mustafa Eriş
