The book, edited by UOG assistant professor Brett Taylor Ph.D. and Andrew Hoey Ph.D., brings together cutting-edge research on this fascinating group of reef fish that hold cultural significance to the people of Guam.

In its juvenile form, the rabbitfish, or mañahåk, have been harvested for thousands of years off the coasts of Guam and are a favorite in CHamoru cuisine.   

According to Taylor, a leading expert on the biology of tropical reef fishes and coastal fisheries, who serves out of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant along with the UOG Marine Laboratory, this volume provides in-depth analyses of rabbitfish life histories, fisheries, and aquaculture, with a particular emphasis on the unique ways these fish have been collected in Guam.

“Rabbitfishes play an important role in tropical marine ecosystems and have historically been an important fisheries resource,” said Taylor. “This book sheds light on their ecological versatility, their capacity to adapt to changing environments, and their significance in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.”

With more than 29 recognized species distributed across the Indian and Pacific Oceans—and more recently in the Mediterranean Sea—rabbitfishes have garnered increasing scientific attention for their ability to thrive in diverse habitats.

The research featured in Biology of Rabbitfishes underscores the significance of these species in coastal ecosystems, particularly in regions like Guam, and how their rapid life cycle and adaptability make them a potentially valuable resource for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.

Biology of Rabbitfishes will serve as a key reference for marine biologists and fish scientists and is published by CRC Press of the Taylor & Francis Group and is available in print or eBook format at https://www.routledge.com/Biology-of-Rabbitfishes/Hoey-Taylor/p/book/9781032216492.

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