Foxface & Rabbitfish :
Aquarium Fish: Fishes of the Genus Siganus: The Rabbitfishes
courtesy to : www.advanceaquarist.com By James W. Fatherree, M.Sc.
I'll provide you information about the genus Siganus as a whole, the Rabbitfish species commonly offered in the hobby, and how to take good care of them.
The genus Siganus is comprised of 26 or 27 species of fish and a couple of hybrids, depending on who you ask, all of which are commonly known as rabbitfishes. Also called spinefoots by some, these can make great additions to appropriately-sized aquariums and are well worth a look, as they're generally attractive, relatively peaceful, and easy to care for. They also tend to be great algae-eaters, and are typically much hardier than the ever-popular surgeonfishes. So, this month I'll give you some information about the genus as a whole, the species commonly offered in the hobby, and how to take good care of them.
To start, there's sometimes a bit of confusion about the rabbitfishes' names due to the fact that five of theSiganus species used to be placed in the genus Lo. The latter is no longer a separate genus though, and is instead considered to be a sub-genus within Siganus. These five species are Siganus magnificus, S. niger, S. vulpinus, S. unimaculatus, and S. uspi, but you can still find them being called Lo magnificus, etc. from time to time. Really, the only obvious distinctive feature these species share is that they all have a somewhat elongated snout relative to the others (Woodland, 1990), and are oftentimes called foxfaces, or foxface rabbitfishes. Rabbit, spinefoot, and foxface, ohhhhh the names people come up with for fishes at times...
Supposedly, the rabbit name was given to these fishes for being docile grazers with dark eyes and a small mouth, with the foxface rabbits having stripes on their faces and relatively long snouts. That doesn't look much like a rabbit's mouth or a fox's face to me, though...
Anyway, aside from their names, there's something else quite unique about siganids, as they're one of the few types of venomous fishes that oftentimes end up in aquariums. They all have venom glands associated with the spines in their fins, and if you get stuck by one it's going to hurt very badly.
If cornered, panicked, or handled improperly (with your hands), they can give you a painful reminder that they're venomous, but fortunately it won't kill you unless maybe you happen to have some unusual allergic response to the venom or get a mortal infection of the wound. However, after doing a thorough online search I wasn't able to find any reports of this happening. In fact, I wasn't able to find a single case of someone being hospitalized after being spiked, either.
Watch out for those fins! All rabbitfishes can deliver a very painful dose of venom as a means of self-defense.
Regardless, there are a couple of things to do if envenomated by a rabbitfish, one of which is getting professional help. I realize I've just pointed out that the chances of receiving a serious injury are slim, but that's if an envenomation is treated properly. Avoiding professional help or neglecting such an injury can be very painful and might lead to real trouble. So, a trip to the doctor is still highly recommended.
Still, before you head out the door, note that applying some hot water therapy can help to relieve the pain almost immediately. The venom is a heat-labile protein, which means it can be broken down very effectively by exposure to heat (Meier & White, 1995). So, you can soak or bathe the injured body part in water that's as hot as you can stand in order to reduce/eliminate the venom's effects. This is normally around 110° to 115°F, but should not be any hotter as you'll risk scalding yourself and making matters worse.
Of course, the sooner you can get to a doctor the better, and upon arrival it's important to report exactly what kind of fish got you. You shouldn't assume that a doctor knows what a rabbitfish is though, so explain if necessary. Then, you'll likely receive a continuing hot-water treatment for 30 to 90 minutes, and may get a shot of anesthetic if the pain is severe. The wound should be elevated to help reduce any swelling, too.
Now you might think that you can do this yourself (you can), but in all cases where a skin-breaking wound is caused by a marine organism, tetanus prophylaxis (like a shot) is required if not already up to date. It is well documented that tetanus has caused deaths following marine organism-related penetrating wounds. Numerous other infections can also occur in conjunction with such wounds, including Vibrio in rare cases. So, I can't say it enough, be mindful of the possibility of these after-effects of an envenomation.
Because the potential for infection is relatively high, your doctor may also use various antibiotics as part of the treatment. This is especially so if an infection appears some time after the initial injury has occurred. Of course, if you don't get your hands too close to an unhappy rabbitfish, you don't have to worry about any of this.
Next, is the rabbitfishes' ability to camouflage themselves as another means of staying alive. All of them can dramatically change their appearance at will, and typically do so when sleeping or when frightened. Regardless of their "normal" overall coloration, which is often quite bright, they can lose it and take on a splotchy appearance that's not colorful at all and often looks more like military camo. When hiding out, especially in rockwork and in the branches of corals, these patterns can be very effective and do quite a good job of making the fishes more difficult to see. So, don't automatically be alarmed if you use a flashlight to look in your aquarium when the lights are off (like I do regularly) and can't seem to find one.
Here's S. unimaculatus with normal coloration, and with its night/fright coloration.
This is S. virgatus with normal coloration, and with its night/fright coloration.
Lastly, these are all primarily algal grazers. However, many will also eat some meaty food items, as some will include tunicates, sponges, and corals in their diets. Yes, corals. I'll provide some more specific information about their diets in a minute, though.
And with that covered, let's look at the species I've encountered in shops. I've provided some basic information for each, including their maximum sizes, geographic ranges, and habits/habitats as reported by Fishbase (undated) and Woodland (1990). Do keep in mind that maximum reported sizes are basically record-setters, so very few individuals of a species will closely approach it.
Commonly offered species:
Siganus vulpinus:
This species is commonly called the foxface rabbitfish, and is the most commonly-offered species of the group. It can reach a maximum length of almost ten inches, but is more commonly less than eight inches. It also has a broad distribution, being found in the Philippines, Indonesia, New Guinea, the Great Barrier Reef, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, the Caroline Islands, the Marshall Islands, Tonga, and Kiribati. Juveniles live in large schools around reefs, but adults live in isolated pairs or sometimes singly.
Siganus unimaculatus:
This species is called the one-spot foxface or blotched foxface, and it looks identical to S. vulpinus with the exception of having a single black splotch on either side of its body below the dorsal fin. It can also grow to a maximum length of about eight inches, and is found around the Philippines, Western Australia, and the Ryukyu Islands. And again, juveniles live in large schools, but adults live in isolated pairs.
The only other thing to say here is that this might not be a species. According to Kuriiwa et al. (2007), S. unimaculatus is actually the same species as S. vulpinus, but it sometimes has the black splotch in particular geographic localities. That's why I said there are 26 or 27 species depending on who you ask.
Siganus corallinus:
This species is commonly called the coral rabbitfish or blue-spotted spinefoot, and can grow to a maximum length of almost fourteen inches making it one of the bigger rabbitfishes. Still, it's most commonly less than eight inches in length, and can be found around Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Viet Nam, the Philippines, Palau, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Australia, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and around the Solomon Islands, the Ryukyu Islands, the Ogasawara Islands, the Aldabra Islands, the Seychelles, the Maldives, and in the Andaman Sea. The juveniles are typically found in small schools around reefs and seagrass beds, but adults usually live in isolated pairs around shallow coral reefs. Juveniles may also school with other species, such as S. puellus.
Siganus punctatus:
This rather large species is commonly known as the gold-spotted rabbitfish or gold-spotted spinefoot, and can reach a maximum length of almost sixteen inches with most individuals staying under twelve. And, it can be found around the Philippines, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Taiwan, Palau, the Ryukyu Islands, the Ogasawara Islands, the Mariana Islands, the Caroline Islands, and the Kapingamarangi Islands, as well as the eastern edge of the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Thailand, and the South China Sea. This species also schools in shallow estuaries when young, but is found in isolated pairs in lagoons and on deeper reefs when mature.
Siganus uspi:
This smaller species is commonly known as the bicolored foxface or uspi rabbitfish, and reaches a maximum length of about nine and a half inches. Unlike many of the other species, it also has a rather small geographic range, being endemic to Fiji, with a few being reported around New Caledonia. Regardless, the juveniles do live in schools with adults living in isolated pairs in deep pools inside reef crests and around drop-offs at reef edges.
Siganus doliatus:
This species has a lot of common names, typically being called the blue-lined rabbitfish, but also going by the names scribbled rabbitfish, pencil-streaked rabbitfish, two-barred rabbitfish, and barred spinefoot. They can reach a maximum length of almost ten inches, but like the first three species above, they're most commonly less than eight. It can be found in the Indo-Malayan area and from Australia and Tonga north to Palau and Kosrae. Juveniles do form schools, typically in seagrass areas, and they pair up at a relatively small size. However, they may still travel in loose schools, oftentimes with other fishes, such as S. puellus, until they're full-sized at which time they stop schooling and live as isolated pairs. Adults are typically found in deep reef lagoons and along drop-offs at reef edges.
Note that Kuriiwa et al. (2007) reported there was evidence that S. doliatus can interbreed with S. virgatus (below).
Siganus virgatus:
This species is typically called the two-barred rabbitfish, virgate rabbitfish, or barhead spinefoot, and can reach a maximum size of about twelve inches with most being closer to eight. It can be found around southern India, Sri Lanka, the Andaman Islands, Thailand, the southern and eastern coasts of China, Taiwan, the Ryukyu Islands, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and northern Australia. Small juveniles are found in small groups in mangrove areas and estuaries, sometimes entering freshwater. Larger juveniles/adults form isolated pairs and move onto costal reef flats and slopes.
Siganus magnificus:
This species is typically called the magnificent rabbitfish or the silver foxface, and can reach a maximum length of about nine and a half inches. It can be found in the Eastern Indian Ocean from Thailand, including the Similan Islands, to Java, Indonesia. Unlike many of its close cousins, the juveniles tend to live singly amongst the branches of corals, while adults form solitary pairs and may sometimes be found singly.
Siganus puellus:
This species is called the masked rabbitfish, decorated rabbitfish, and masked spinefoot, and is quite large, with a maximum length of fifteen inches. Most commonly they're closer to ten inches, though. It's found in the Indian Ocean around the Cocos-Keeling Islands and western Australia, and in the western Pacific from the South China Sea to the Gilbert Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to the southern Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia, and Tonga. Juveniles form large schools, often mixing with S. corallinus, S. doliatus, and S. spinus, and are found on reef flats and in lagoons, especially in Acropora dominated areas. Adults form isolated pairs and move to deeper waters, typically along drop-offs at reef edges.
Siganus guttatus:
This species is commonly called the yellow blotch rabbitfish, golden rabbitfish, orange-spotted spinefoot, or golden spinefoot, and is another big one with a maximum size of over sixteen inches and commonly being about ten. It can be found in the Eastern Indian Ocean around the Andaman Islands and Thailand, around Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Viet Nam, and in the South China Sea and Pacific from the Ryukyu Islands to Taiwan, the Philippines, and Palau. It is quite different in that it is active at night, lives in schools as both juveniles and adults, and often prefers brackish waters. It commonly inhabits turbid inshore reefs and mangroves, and often enters rivers with the changing tides. Lavina and Alcala (1974) noted that it's regularly found in areas with half the salinity of normal seawater, although it may also be found on drop-offs of inshore fringing reefs, at times.
Also note that Kuriiwa et al. (2007) reported there was evidence that S. guttatus can interbreed with S. lineatus (not covered).
Aquarium Care:
Rabbitfishes are categorically tough when it comes to dealing with disease and less-than-perfect water quality, being as hardy as any other fishes we commonly keep in our aquariums. However, it's important to fed them well and give them the right foods. All of these are primarily algal grazers in the wild, with juveniles tending to eat smaller types of algae and adults feeding on larger and tougher seaweeds and such. However, many will also feed on a variety of invertebrates including sponges, tunicates, and corals, especially if they're hungry and there's no suitable algae to be found.
Thus, it's important for you to give them plenty of plant matter in their diet, which may be primarily plant-based flake or frozen cube foods if you prefer. Spirulina flakes are also good, as is dried seaweed (nori and kombu). If you use the later, make sure to buy unseasoned types though, as you don't want to dose your fishes with any sorts of additives, preservatives, etc. Of course, they'll also eat meaty foods, including various types of zooplankton, brine shrimp, and bits of fish, clam, etc. So, you can obviously feed them a wide variety of foods in an aquarium. They'll typically get some of their own food by picking at algae growing on rocks and such in aquariums, and thus can be great aquarium cleaners, too.
When it comes to eating corals, things can be hit or miss, though. While looking around online I found numerous stories of a rabbitfishes being fine in a reef aquarium for some time, even for more than two years, and then starting to eat both soft and stony corals. They oftentimes go after things like zoanthids and button polyps first, but from what I can tell, they may also fancy Acanthastrea and the branch tips of many other stony corals. Regardless, I have personally cared for at least a dozen rabbitfishes in my own aquariums and those of my customers years ago when I owned a tank maintenance business, and I never once had a problem with any of them. In fact, I've got a nice S. vulpinus in my own reef aquarium right now. No issues. So, I'm either feeding it everything it needs, or I've just gotten very lucky (again). I guess I'll just say that if you plan on keeping one of these in a reef aquarium, be sure to keep the food coming and keep a close watch on it in case it starts eating things you don't want eaten.
Other than that bit of advice, be sure to pay attention to the potential size of any species you may want and place it in an aquarium of appropriate size. If you were paying attention above, I'm sure you noticed that there's a big size difference in species like S. uspi and S. guttatus, with the former being up to nine and a half inches in length and the latter being up to sixteen. So, give a specimen the space it needs.
Other than that, I guess the only other thing to recommend is having plenty of hiding places for a rabbitfish. While personalities differ, they oftentimes can be rather skittish and like to have some places to lay low and to sleep. So, you should have plenty of rockwork or other decorations that they can go to if they feel like getting out of sight.
Compatibilities:
When it comes to compatibilities, rabbitfishes will typically get along fine with anything else that's not a rabbitfish of the same or similar species. However, you should always be aware that, like any other type of fish, each individual can have its own personality, and every once in a while even the supposedly nicest fish can become a problem.
Regardless, while juvenile rabbitfishes typically live in schools in the wild, trying to keep two or three of the same species of any of these in one tank will usually lead to fighting. It's an odd thing, but in the confined space of a tank they just won't get along with each other.
However, if the tank is big enough and several small individuals of similar size are added simultaneously, their schooling nature sometimes overrides their aggression and they may get along - at least for a while. In general, you'd need to add at least four or five at once, and even that won't guarantee peace. So, I think it's a bad idea to try this unless you've got a really big tank, as in at least several hundred gallons.
When it comes to adults, they should also be kept one to a tank, unless you can find a mated pair for sale. Unfortunately, I don't recall ever seeing a pair being offered together, so that's probably out, too. It may be possible to keep more than one if they're very different species, but again, I wouldn't try it unless you've got a really big aquarium. So, it's pretty much always going to be one to a tank.
And with that, I'll sign off...
The graceful One Spot Foxface features a distinct "eyespot" on its body. Also called the Blotched Foxface, the One Spot Foxface is extremely similar in appearance to the Foxface Lo, except for the aforementioned spot. Natural variation of this dark spot can range from an almost symmetrical circle to a "free-formed" blotch to give each fish a unique and individual appearance.
House the One Spot Foxface in a 70 gallon or larger aquarium. It is a very peaceful species except when housed with other rabbitfish. The One Spot Foxface may be housed with more aggressive fish since predators and aggressors will tend to leave it alone because of its venomous dorsal spines. Rabbitfish are generally reef-safe if they are well fed. If not, they may nip at or consume some species of LPS and soft coral polyps.
The diet of the One Spot Foxface should include fresh vegetables and algae. Provide a variety of prepared herbivore foods rich in vegetable matter and supplement diet with algae sheets to help reduce potential nipping damage to soft and hard coral polyps.
Approximate Purchase Size: Sm 1-1/2" - 2" Md 2" - 2 1/2" Lg 2 1/2" - 3"
1- One Spot Foxface
Siganus unimaculatus :
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 7"
Color Form: Black, White, Yellow
Venomous: Yes
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Eastern Asia
Family: Siganidae
Foxface & Rabbitfish:
Rabbitfish, found in shallow lagoons, have small, hare-like mouths, large dark eyes, and a peaceful temperament. They are colorful, and have well developed, venomous dorsal and anal fin spines. Use caution when handling these fish, as the spines will inflict a painful sting.
The Foxface Lo, also known as the Foxface Rabbitfish, has a very unique body color. It has a mottled yellow-brown body with a dark chest. The face is very light in color and speckled on the lower half. They are a very hardy fish, and are great additions to the newly-established tank.
It may reside in a 125 gallon or larger aquarium. It is a very peaceful species except when housed with other rabbitfish. The Foxface Lo may be housed with more aggressive fish. Its predators will tend to leave it alone because of its venomous dorsal spines. Rabbitfish are generally reef-safe if they are well fed. If not, it is possible for them to nip at and consume some species of LPS and soft corals.
The Foxface Lo diet consists of a variety of fresh vegetables and undesirable species of algae. It does nip and possibly eat some soft and hard coral polyps.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-3/4"; Medium: 2-3/4" to 4"; Large: 4" to 7"
2- Foxface Lo
Siganus vulpinus
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 9"
Color Form: Black, Orange, Tan, Yellow
Venomous: Yes
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia, Vanuatu
Family: Siganidae
3-Magnificent Foxface
Siganus magnificus
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 9"
Color Form: Black, Red, White, Yellow
Venomous: Yes
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Sumatra
Family: Siganidae
The Magnificent Foxface, also known as the Magnificent Rabbitfish, Andaman Foxface, or the Red Fin Foxface, is a uniquely colored fish. The face is white with a distinctive black band. The body is half white and half dark brown to black and each fin is fringed with yellow or red. It is a very hardy fish, and is a great addition to the newly-established tank.
It may reside in a 125 gallon or larger aquarium. It is a very peaceful species except when housed with other rabbitfish. The Magnificent Foxface may be housed with more aggressive fish. Its predators will tend to leave it alone because of its venomous dorsal spines. Rabbitfish are generally reef-safe if they are well fed. If not, it is possible for them to nip at and consume some species of LPS and soft corals.
The Magnificent Foxface diet consists of a variety of fresh vegetables and undesirable species of algae. It does nip and possibly eat some soft and hard coral polyps.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 2" to 3"; Small/Medium: 3" to 4"; Medium: 4" to 5"; Large: 5" to 6"; XLarge: 6" to 7"
3-Yellow Blotch Rabbitfish
Siganus guttatus
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 1' 4"
Color Form: Blue, Orange, White, Yellow
Venomous: Yes
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Central Pacific
Family: Siganidae
The Yellow Blotch Rabbitfish, also known as the Orange-Spotted Spinefoot, Orange Spotted Foxface Rabbitfish, or Gold Saddle Rabbitfish originates from the reefs of the Western Pacific. It's a species of increasing popularity with reef-keepers for its beauty and algae-eating activity.
The body of Yellow Blotch Rabbitfish is brown and covered in many beautiful orange spots, a camouflage pattern that includes a distinctive posterior yellow false eye to confuse predators. Because of its venomous dorsal spines (which it can raise when disturbed) care must be taken when handling to avoid the possibility of being envenomated.
It requires a 180 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of open swim space. It is a very peaceful species except when housed with other Rabbitfish. The Yellow Blotch Rabbitfish may be housed with more aggressive fish and can be kept in pairs. Rabbitfish are generally reef-safe if they are well fed. If not, it is possible for them to nip at and consume some species of LPS and soft corals. Their diet should consist of algae sheets and other foods formulated for algae-eating fish.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small 1" - 2-1/2"; Medium 2-1/2" - 3"
4-Blue Spotted Rabbitfish
Siganus corallinus
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 11"
Color Form: Yellow
Venomous: Yes
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Family: Siganidae
The Blue Spotted Rabbitfish, also known as the Blue Spotted Spinefoot, usually travels in pairs among the reefs of the Indo-West Pacific. It has an oblong shape to its body which is yellow, as the fish matures a beautiful series of blue spots will begin to appear that will cover the entire body.
It requires a 180-gallon or larger aquarium. It is a very peaceful species except when housed with other rabbitfish. The Blue Spotted Rabbitfish may be housed with more aggressive fish and can be kept in pairs. Its predators will tend to leave it alone because of its venomous dorsal spines which it can raise when disturbed. Care must be taken when handling this fish to avoid the possibility of being stung by its venomous spines. Rabbitfish are generally reef-safe if they are well fed. If not, it is possible for them to nip at and consume some species of LPS and soft corals.
Its diet consists of a variety of fresh vegetables and algae. It does nip and possibly eat some soft and hard coral polyps.
Approximate Purchase Size: Medium: 2" to 3"; Large: 3" to 5"
5-Two Barred Rabbitfish
Siganus virgatus
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 11"
Color Form: Black, Blue, Yellow
Venomous: Yes
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Central Pacific, Fiji
Family: Siganidae
The Two Barred Rabbitfish, also known as the Barred Spinefoot, usually travels in pairs among the reefs of the Indo-West Pacific. It has an oblong shape to its body and has a beautiful series of blue markings with a yellow back and tail. The eyes of this fish are masked by a black stripe that extends from the bottom of the mouth to the top of the head, and has a matching black stripe behind the gill plate.
It requires a 180-gallon or larger aquarium. It is a very peaceful species except when housed with other Rabbitfish. The Two Barred Rabbitfish may be housed with more aggressive fish and can be kept in pairs. Its predators will tend to leave it alone because of its venomous dorsal spines, which it can raise when disturbed. Care must be taken when handling this fish to avoid the possibility of being stung by its venomous spines. Rabbitfish are generally reef-safe if they are well fed, and they will eat all kinds of macro-algae and even bubble algae. If not, it is possible for them to nip at and consume some species of LPS and soft corals.
Its diet consists of a variety of fresh vegetables and algae. It does nip and possibly eat some soft and hard coral polyps.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 2"; Medium: 2" to 3"; Large: 3" to 5"
6-Decorated Rabbitfish
Siganus puellus
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 11"
Color Form: Black, Yellow
Venomous: Yes
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Australia, Indonesia, Vanuatu
Family: Siganidae
The Decorated Rabbitfish, also known as the Masked Spinefoot, usually travels in pairs among the reefs of the Indo-West Pacific. It has an oblong shape to its body and has a beautiful series of yellow markings with a yellow back and tail. The eyes of this fish are masked by a black stripe that extends from the bottom of the mouth to the top of the head. As the black stripe passes the eye it becomes spotted, lending an interesting look to this Rabbitfish.
It requires a 180-gallon or larger aquarium. It is a very peaceful species except when housed with other Rabbitfish. The Decorated Rabbitfish may be housed with more aggressive fish and can be kept in pairs. Its predators will tend to leave it alone because of its venomous dorsal spines, which it can raise when disturbed. Care must be taken when handling this fish to avoid the possibility of being stung by its venomous spines. Rabbitfish are generally reef-safe if they are well fed. If not, it is possible for them to nip at and consume some species of LPS and soft corals.
Its diet should consist of a variety of vegetable matter and algae. Feed the Decorated Rabbitfish Red Gracilaria feeding algae, any species of caulerpa and dried seaweed fed with a lettuce clip.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small; 1 1/2" to 2" Medium; 2" to 4"; Large; 4" to 6"
7-Gold Spotted Rabbitfish
Siganus punctatus
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 1' 2"
Color Form: Blue, Orange, Tan, White, Yellow
Venomous: Yes
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Australia, Fiji, Indonesia
Family: Siganidae
The Gold Spotted Rabbitfish, also known as the Gold Spotted Spinefoot, originates from the reefs of the Coral Sea. The body of this Rabbitfish is brown and is covered in many beautiful golden spots. The spots even work their way into the eye of this fish, which aids in its camouflage.
It requires a 180-gallon or larger aquarium. It is a very peaceful species except when housed with other Rabbitfish. The Gold Spotted Rabbitfish may be housed with more aggressive fish and can be kept in pairs. Its predators will tend to leave it alone because of its venomous dorsal spines, which it can raise when disturbed. Care must be taken when handling this fish to avoid the possibility of being stung by its venomous spines. Rabbitfish are generally reef-safe if they are well fed. If not, it is possible for them to nip at and consume some species of LPS and soft corals.
Its diet consists of a variety of fresh vegetables and algae. It does nip and possibly eat some soft and hard coral polyps.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/4" to 2" Medium: 2" to 4" Large: 4" to 6"
8-Bicolor Foxface
Siganus uspi
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 10"
Venomous: Yes
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Family: Siganidae
The Bicolor Foxface, also called the Bicolored Foxface or Uspi Spinefoot, has a unique body coloration. The front two-thirds of the body is dark brown in color, and the posterior one-third is yellow.
It requires a 125 gallon or larger aquarium. It is a very peaceful species except when housed with other rabbitfish. Bicolor Foxface may be housed with more aggressive fish. Its predators will tend to leave it alone because of its venomous dorsal spines which it can raise when disturbed. Rabbitfish are generally reef-safe if they are well fed. If not, it is possible for them to nip at and consume some species of LPS and soft corals.
Its diet consists of a variety of fresh vegetables and algae. It does nip and possibly eat some soft and hard coral polyps.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/4"; Small/Medium: 2-1/4" to 3-1/4"; Medium: 3-1/4" to 4-1/4"; Medium/Large: 4-1/4" to 5-1/4"; Large: 5-1/4" to 7"
