White-spotted Rabbitfish

A small herbivorous rabbitfish covered in distinctive white spots on a greenish-brown background. Very common in UAE seagrass beds and shallow inshore areas. Like all rabbitfish, its dorsal, pelvic and anal spines are venomous and can cause painful wounds if handled carelessly.

Species Stats

Diet

Algae, seagrass, plant material

Habitat

Seagrass beds, shallow inshore reefs, mangrove edges

Local Name (Arabic)

صافي عربي

Fun Facts

• 1

  All rabbitfish carry venomous spines — always handle with gloves or a cloth.

• 2

  Plays an important ecological role grazing algae on UAE inshore reefs.

• 3

  Name refers to its small rabbit-like mouth adapted for nibbling vegetation.

Found In