Marbled Spinefoot (Rabbitfish)
Siganus rivulatus
Venomous spines: handle with care
Also known as: RabbitfishSigan marbréMacua
Reef/KelpShoreBoat
Score
—
Prime time
Daylight on calm, clear days; late spring to autumn
Depth
0–30m
Platform
Shore & boat
Depth range
0–30mMedium
Preferred seabed
RockMixed
Findr bio
A reef grazer that shoals tight over rocky ground — handle me carefully at the hook, the spines sting more than the fight does.
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Rocky shoreWreck reefShallow water
Recommended baits
Bread
Effective techniques
Float FishingBottom Fishing
Gear
Best times
Day
My dorsal and pelvic fin spines carry a mild venom — a defense that hasn't stopped me from becoming a common Red Sea reef catch and food fish across Egypt, Sudan, and Saudi Arabia.
Field notes
Where to find them
Eastern Mediterranean: Aegean, Turkish coast, Cyprus, Levant, Egypt
Where they hang out
Shallow weed-covered rock and harbour walls, 0-10 m
Prime time
Daylight on calm, clear days; late spring to autumn
Tide game
Low
What they're into
Bread dough, or green weed and algae paste; it is a herbivore, so fish baits and prawns are ignored
Temperature vibe
Warm-water fish: sluggish below about 18 C, best above 24 C
Fave weather
Calm and clear is best; swell and coloured water scatter the shoals
Dinner material?
6/10Edible, nothing special
Play by the rules
Local rules apply. Venomous dorsal and anal spines: hold with a wet cloth or pliers, a sting is painfulNational fisheries authority; check local rules
Looking after them
Least Concern