Siganus virgatus

Quick Stats

Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Peaceful Color Form: Black, Blue, Yellow Diet: Herbivore 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″ Venomous: Yes Origin Central: Pacific, Indonesia Family: Siganidae Minimum Tank Size: 120 gallons

Overview

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 120-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″