Re: Dictyota Algae - Rabbitfish       4/18/19
Bob,
<Eric>
Wanted to let you know I ended up getting a Gold Spotted Rabbitfish instead. It's been in QT and I have been feeding this fish the Dictyota from my display.
<Good>
Literally devours it in seconds. I am a bit concerned though about the potential to eat coral. From my research and readings it seems like this specific fish tends to be a Zoanthid eater. Any experience around leather corals, clams, etc?
<Not usually a problem; problematical>
Is this fish really more prone to eating coral then some of the other rabbits?
<Not as far as I'm aware; no. Siganids aren't "coral" eaters period; they may nip; but rarely do much damage.>
Thanks,
Eric
<W. B>
Re: Dictyota Algae - Rabbitfish     6/19/19
Bob,
<Eric>
I added the Gold Spot to my tank about a month ago and it still hasn't settled in. It seems to hide between two caves and rarely venturing out except to eat, which it is doing a lot of, and has really filled out. It
just seems stressed overall though with rapid breathing, spikes up, and camo colors.
<Some specimens don't adapt well; and these are by and large social species; usually living in good sized schools/associations. Perhaps some ditherfish?>
I know these fish can be a bit skittish but how long is reasonable for the fish to start acting normal. I was thinking about possibly reaquascaping the tank to open things up a bit. Not sure if that would make a difference or not.
<It might. DO watch your hands around Siganids... very nasty puncture wounds can be gotten from their hard fin spines. Bob Fenner>
Re: Dictyota Algae - Rabbitfish     6/19/19
In terms of other fish have a few wrasses, Anthias, Chromis, and some assessors. I had a previous crypto infection that the fish were able to fend off on their own. Was thinking about maybe putting a yellow tang in the tank to help with the rabbit but am a bit concerned about the crypto rearing its head again. I know rabbits are a more hardier species. Was curious if you think a Foxface lo would work here instead or is there likely to be to much aggression?
<They (the family Siganidae) members/species are all about the same in terms of aggressiveness, territoriality. More of a consideration (functionally) is their likely large/r size by species. Bob Fenner>
Re: Dictyota Algae - Rabbitfish     6/19/19
Bob,
<Eric>
Woke up this morning and the Rabbitfish was on the floor.
<Aye ya>
I forgot to put
the feed door back on my lid and it jumped though a 3 inch hole. Super bummed. I am going to try one of the smaller species possibly a S. Doliatus. Maybe I will have better luck.
<I do hope so. BobF>

Rabbit Fish teeth shed?       11/1/18 Do rabbit fish shed their teeth? I've had this fish for several years, and every now and then it looks like his teeth are shedding in a row... almost like fish dentures? They almost look like a white fake eyelash for women's cosmetics. I can't seem to find anything online about this. <Hi Valarie, Yes; like all fish, Siganidae shed teeth from time to time. What you described as an "eyelash" is actually its tooth plate.> Thanks for any info/feedback! <Welcome. Wil >

Rabbitfish; life-spans/gen., and stkg./sel.     9/16/13
Good morning!
<Michele>
Thanks as always for the wonderful website and information.  I am having trouble finding an average expected lifespan for a Rabbitfish in captivity.
<Oh! Have spent a good deal of time recently w/ someone who studied Siganids (for aquaculture, human consumption)... chatting re aspects of their general bio.; and have kept quite a few species for years>
  I tried fishbase.org, but it merely lists a question mark for age.
<Mmm, yes; their length/age graphs used to be easier to find, read... and "extrapolate" such data from>
 This weekend, we found our Siganus virgatus (husband insists it's actually Siganus doliatus, so I may be wrong) dead in the tank.  I am suspicious (and hopeful) that age was the cause of the demise.  I am hopeful you can give me an estimate for expected lifespan in an aquarium assuming optimum conditions.
<At least a few to several years... maybe 5-10>
My second question is advice on adding another Rabbitfish to the aquarium. 
Do you have a preference between Siganus virgatus and Siganus doliatus in regards to compatibility, hardiness, and personality?
<Am partial to the S. doliatus; but consider that these two are likely very similar here>
 Bluezoo currently has both in stock.  Second, what size would you recommend, 2-2.5 inches or 2.5-4.5 inches?
<The larger... ships better, more likely to fit in w/ an established system>
 Tank is a 250 gallon SPS/LPS reef with 600 gallon total volume including support tanks.  Inhabitants are a 4 inch Yellow Tang, 4 inch Threadfin Butterflyfish, 10 inch Vlamingi Tang (I know huge for this tank, was a "rescue" case), two Percula Clownfish, and two Blue Chromis.  All fish have been in the tank for several years.  I'm concerned a small Rabbitfish may be picked on by the Vlamingi and that a large Rabbitfish may hurt the Tangs.
<Mmm, even a 4.5" specimen will not be too large here... to blend in and fend for itself. Most all fishes recognize the defences of Rabbits and give them wide berth. I'd mention here (for browsers, not so much you) that it's prudent to assure the new fish is feeding, getting food. Am a huge fan (yes; a plug) for/of Spectrum pelleted foods>
Thanks again for any assistance.
Michele
<Thank you for sharing. Bob Fenner> 
RE: Rabbitfish     9/16/13
Bob,
<Mich>
Thank you so much for the reply.  I feel a little better that age was the cause of the lost fish now.  We had the fish for 7 years and s/he was pretty large when purchased, so I'm assuming the fish must have been 8-9 years old at a minimum.
<Ahh>
Thanks again,
Michele
<Welcome. BobF>

Note about article...  WWM corr.s    4/24/08 Hi there! I have been thoroughly enjoying your articles and FAQs for a while. While I don't feel I can contribute content, I would like to also contribute back as a thanks for all the help you have provided me with my questions. <Ahh, I thank you> With that in mind, I was thinking that as I read articles and find places where there are either typos or duplications of phrases, <Yes... some software glitches from olde, and I mean olde, word-processing conversion prog.s... that have yet to be cleaned up> I can send you this information along with corrections so they might get fixed. I know the site is massive, and hope this might help improve it in ever such small increments. <Again, much thanks> Please let me know if this if of help; if so, I will continue noting and passing along the information as I read it in my searches for information. I think it is great how much information you provide on this website; I wouldn't trade it for the world. I would just like to help make sure it's in the best shape possible for everyone to read. Thanks, Kerstin:-) With corrections in mind, here goes: On the page http://www.wetwebmedia.com/rabbitfi.htm 1 . Under SIZE, the sentence is repeated: Some species to eighteen inches (50 cm.), rarely half that in captivity; slow to moderate growers. Some species to eighteen inches (50 cm.), rarely half that in captivity; slow to moderate growers. 2. On the description of the fish, under Siganus variatus there is some extra punctuation. Siganus virgatus, the double-barred Spinefoot, is named for its twin oblique barring pattern and the experience of unfortunate beachcombers who have stepped on it. S. virgatus is a great marine "algae eater", and more outgoing than the Foxface., the double-barred Spinefoot, is named for its twin oblique barring pattern and the experience of unfortunate beachcombers who have stepped on it. S. virgatus is a great marine "algae eater", and more outgoing than the Foxface. Occurs mainly in pairs as larger juveniles, adults. To a foot in length in the wild. Corrections: Siganus virgatus, the double-barred Spinefoot, is named for its twin oblique barring pattern and the experience of unfortunate beachcombers who have stepped on it. S. virgatus is a great marine "algae eater", and more outgoing than the Foxface. The double-barred Spinefoot, is named for its twin oblique barring pattern and the experience of unfortunate beachcombers who have stepped on it. S. virgatus is a great marine "algae eater", and more outgoing than the Foxface. Occurs mainly in pairs as larger juveniles, adults. To a foot in length in the wild. 3. Still pictures of several fish missing - don't know if you've been able to get these, or just did not realize that they were missing. Siganus canaliculatus, Siganus fuscescens, Siganus labyrinthodes , Siganus lineatus, Siganus punctatissimus, Siganus sutor , Siganus vermiculatus <Will try to get to today. Danke, Bob Fenner>

Jumping Foxface  9/9/06 Hi WWM Crew, <Diana> I have a quick and maybe silly question....... My Foxface (Siganus vulpinus) has jumped out of the main tank and into the overflow compartment. Do you have any hints on how to get him out fast and unharmed? Thanks for your input, Diana <Not with your hands! Siganids can/do give nasty cuts and are venomous... Use a soft net of size to fish out and place back in the main tank. Bob Fenner>

Foxface Slime Coat Slipping Off - 03/27/06 Hi, <<Hello>>    Lee here, first time writing long time reader. <<Welcome Lee>> I recently purchased a Foxface that was quarantined about a week with no problems. <<Mmm, best to leave a minimum of three weeks when placing livestock in quarantine.>> After adding to main tank, a 150 gallon, within day or so developed few black dots.  I then gave heavy doses of garlic and these all cleared up.  Now about every two days he develops a white film that sloughs off by itself. <<Normal for these fish.>> What is this? <<A mucus coating...Siganids (in particular the Foxfaces) have a very heavy slime coat which they seem to be able to "shed" at will...nothing to worry about.  My Siganus uspi sheds its slime coating daily (usually when excited as around feeding time).  The slime coat is even consumed by other fish in the tank on occasion.>> He eats great and it doesn't seem affect him. <<Nope>> All tank levels are at 0 with salinity at 17 and temp at 78 degrees. <<I prefer to see salinity kept at normal seawater levels (1.025/026)...for all saltwater tanks.>> I have a 75 reef tank that is about 4 years old and never have seen anything like this. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!! <<Regards, EricR>>

Foxface Question   - 03/26/2006 Bob & Crew, <BJ> Quick question.  I am almost ready to put my 4' Foxface (Siganus Lo vulpinus) into my display tank (135 G) and have read in the Rabbitfish FAQ's that they shouldn't be netted. <Mmm, well... what else is there? The Siganids should not be touched by bare hands either... very sharp fin spines... and toxic... I would use two "soft" nets of size... and perhaps a friend using one of them... to push the fish with one into the other (not a specimen container or bag in this case) and gingerly lift the fish (into the air) to move> Now is this due to their venomous spines, or for fear of hurting the fish? <The latter likely> I am fairly confident that I can net him without getting stuck. <Good> Let me know.  He is going to be joining an Achilles Tang, Social Fairy Wrasse, Convict Blenny, Mandarin Dragonet, Blue Spotted Watchman Goby, and a neon goby (if I can fish him out of the sump- the little guy went for a ride).  I don't think there should be any compatibility issues.  And yes, I know they love lots of greens!  Thanks in advance. <Sounds good. Bob Fenner, HI> BJ Wincott
Niagara Falls, ON