"Rabbitfishes (Siganidae) occur on tropical and subtropical reefs throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and Mediterranean Sea. Despite their ubiquity and significance within artisanal food fisheries across the Indo-Pacific they have been somewhat neglected in the literature; relegated to a supporting role in the story of their closest cousins, the surgeonfishes. The simplistic taxonomic structure of the Siganidae (just 29 species grouped in a single genus) belies the diversity of diets, habitat associations, social structures, and life history strategies among species. This book turns the spotlight firmly onto rabbitfish, introducing the reader to this fascinating family of fishes, from their critical importance in reef processes, to their capacity to colonise and modify novel habitats and threats currently faced by rabbitfish populations around the world. It contains new insights into their life histories, diet, susceptibility to environmental change, and concludes with an overview of emerging and future research directions"-- Provided by publisher.
This book delves into the biology, ecology, evolution, and behaviour of rabbitfishes, from their nutritional adaptations to their complex social behaviours and life histories and explores recent invasions into new habitats, their role in fisheries and aquaculture.
Rabbitfishes (family Siganidae) are a vital yet often overlooked group of fishes in coral reef and seagrass ecosystems native to the tropical and subtropical Indo-Pacific region. Known broadly as herbivores with low comparative species diversity among tropical fishes, what makes rabbitfishes distinctive and how do these traits contribute to their ecological significance? This book delves into the biology, ecology, evolution, and behaviour of rabbitfishes, from their nutritional adaptations to their complex social behaviours and life histories. It also explores recent invasions into new habitats, their role in fisheries and aquaculture, and highlights promising directions for future research on these essential marine species.
