Scribbled Rabbit Fish (Siganus Virgatus)

Care Level : Moderate

Temperament : Peaceful

Color : Black, Blue, Yellow

Diet : Herbivore

Reef Compatible : With Caution

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 11"

Venomous : Yes

Origin : Indo-Pacific

Family : Siganidae

Minimum Tank Size : 120 gallons

Scribbled Rabbit Fish (Siganus Virgatus), the Barhead Spinefoot, Doublebar Rabbitfish or Scribbled Rabbit Fish is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a rabbitfish belonging to the family Siganidae. 

Siganus Virgatus has a deep and laterally compressed body which has a depth which fits 1.8 to 2.3 times into its standard length. The body of this species is pale with a silvery white belly. The head and the front part of the body are marked with light bluish spots and lines. The caudal and dorsal fins are yellow and they normally have a yellow back and caudal peduncle. 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. This fish isn’t only a pretty face, it serves a definite function as it will gladly consume hair algae, valonia, and red turf algae. 

It requires a 120-gallon or larger aquarium. These timid fish are prone to stress unless they are provided with enough hiding places that allow them to get out of sight when they feel threatened. A good stack of live rock arranged in a “honeycomb” fashion that provides ample nooks, crannies, and caves will take care of this demand for places of concealment.

It is a very peaceful species except when housed with other Rabbitfish. The Siganus Virgatus 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.

Feedings for these herbivores should be heavy on the marine greens. Avoid terrestrial greens—such as lettuce and spinach—in favor of frozen marine herbivore formulations, Spirulina flakes, and a steady supply of dried marine algae.