SIGANIDAE Rabbitfishes By Keiichi Matsuura Siganus fuscescens Siganus javus Body oval, strongly compressed, reaching to 55 cm. Mouth small, terminal; jaws not protrusible; a single row of compressed, incisiform teeth on jaws. Dorsal fin with XIII spines and 10 soft rays, preceded by embedded, recumbent spine. Anal fin with VII spines and 9 soft rays. Pelvic fins with an inner and outer spines and separated 3 soft rays. Fin spines with a pair of grooves containing venom glands. Body covered with small, cycloid scales. Color: species inhabiting coral reefs having bright color with reticulations and markings, and other species with drab mottled pattern. Similar families occurring in the area. Acanthuridae and Chaetodont-idae: I spine and 5 soft rays in pelvic fins. Remarks. Dwelling on bottom in shallow coastal waters. Some species found in coral reefs and others in mangroves and seagrass beds. Primarily herbivorous. Caught by bottom trawlers, traps, set nets and by spear. Marketed fresh.