{"product_id":"barred-rabbitfish","title":"Barred Rabbitfish | Siganus doliatus","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Barred Rabbitfish (Barred Spinefoot) is a peaceful, algae-grazing rabbitfish and a superb natural clean-up fish for a larger reef. It is hardy and active, with bold barred markings, but its dorsal, anal and pelvic spines are venomous, so it should be handled with care.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, the Barred Rabbitfish is associated with coral-rich lagoons and reef flats of the western Pacific, often in pairs or small groups. It grazes algae from rock and reef surfaces throughout the day. Replicating this environment means providing mature live rock with algae for grazing, open swimming space and secure aquascaping with places to shelter. A settled aquarium with established algae growth suits it best.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Barred Rabbitfish has a bright body marked with blue and yellow, dark bars towards the head and a fine pattern over the flanks. It has the deep-bodied, large-eyed shape typical of rabbitfish and reaches around 25 cm. Colours can dull when the fish is stressed or at night and brighten again once settled. Healthy specimens are alert, grazing actively and well-filled through the body, without pinched bellies, cloudy eyes or clamped fins.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTemperament is best described as peaceful. It is a good community fish and safe with other species, though it may squabble with other rabbitfish or foxfaces unless the tank is large or they are added as a pair. Suitable companions include clownfish, tangs, wrasses, angels, chromis and other peaceful to semi-aggressive reef fish. Take care during maintenance, as the venomous spines can deliver a painful sting if the fish is handled or netted carelessly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeeding should be predominantly herbivorous. Offer dried marine algae and nori on a clip, algae-based flakes and pellets, and prepared herbivore foods, with several small feeds through the day. Natural algae in the tank supplements the diet. A well-fed rabbitfish is far less likely to nip at soft corals, zoanthids or fleshy LPS. Occasional meaty foods such as mysis shrimp can be offered for variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor long-term success, provide a minimum aquarium size of 450 L, with 600 L or larger recommended for swimming room and long-term stability. Maintain temperature at 24–27°C, pH 8.1–8.4 and salinity around 1.020–1.026. Moderate to strong flow suits it. Lighting can be standard reef lighting, which also supports the algae it grazes. Provide mature live rock and open swimming space. Strong filtration, protein skimming and regular water changes of 10–20% are recommended. Take care handling the venomous spines during maintenance. This species is considered reef safe with caution, as an underfed individual may nip at some corals.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBreeding in the home aquarium is not normally achieved. Rabbitfish are open-water spawners that release eggs into the current, and the larvae require specialised planktonic rearing beyond normal home aquarium keeping. Pairs may form in captivity, but successful rearing of young in a display aquarium is not expected. For most keepers the focus should be on long-term health, correct herbivorous feeding and low stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSiganus doliatus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBarred Rabbitfish (Barred Spinefoot)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWestern Pacific lagoons and coral-rich reef flats\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e25 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8–12 years with good care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful (venomous spines)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e450 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e600 L or larger\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHerbivore; marine algae, nori and algae-based prepared foods\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–27°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.1–8.4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable for marine fish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.020–1.026\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEstablished reef and marine community aquariums\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef safe with caution\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include clownfish, tangs, wrasses, angels, chromis and other peaceful to semi-aggressive reef fish of similar size.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid keeping with other rabbitfish or foxfaces in smaller tanks unless added as a pair, and highly aggressive fish that will harass it. Handle with care due to venomous spines.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55234135654691,"sku":null,"price":44.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55234135687459,"sku":"BA8270","price":49.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large (10-15cm)","offer_id":55234135720227,"sku":null,"price":54.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large (15-25cm)","offer_id":55351937499427,"sku":null,"price":64.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Barred_Rabbitfish_Siganus_doliatus_a06228b5-777d-4ed4-9f63-bd2f613770a6.jpg?v=1781681387","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/barred-rabbitfish","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}