Yellow Blotch Rabbitfish

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Moderate   • Temperament: Peaceful   • Maximum Size: 16"
• Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons   • Water Conditions: 72-80° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
• Diet: Herbivore   • Origin: Indo-Pacific, Tropical Central Pacific
• Family: Siganidae   • Species: Foxface-Rabbit   • Aquarium Type: Reef Compatible

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Yellow Blotch Rabbitfish are a large, active and attractive species found throughout the tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean. Yellow Blotch Rabbitfish are also commonly referred to as the Orange-Spotted Spinefoot; both names are well earned and the former is based on the yellow false eye they have on their caudal section while the latter is due to the fact they they have orange, spot-like markings as well as a venomous dorsal spine that they often raise in defense.

Yellow Blotch Rabbitfish are extremely peaceful towards other fish species, but can become aggressive with other Rabbitfish in an aquarium environment and should be kept singly or as a pair. Yellow Blotch Rabbitfish can be reef compatible if they are well fed; otherwise they may nip at stony and soft coral species. Although they are becoming more popular in the hobby Yellow Blotch Rabbitfish are not always available, but they can occasionally be special ordered locally or found through online vendors.

Yellow Blotch Rabbitfish are large and robust species that should be housed in an aquarium of at least 180 gallons (a pair should be housed in 240 gallons or more) and be provided with a sand substrate in addition to large amounts of live rock for algae grazing and overall system balance. They prefer plenty of open swimming space as well as quality water conditions; strong biological and mechanical filtration is recommended with the addition of a quality protein skimmer.

Yellow Blotch Rabbitfish are naturally peaceful and aren't usually bothered as they have their venomous dorsal spines; they can coexist peacefully with many other fish species aside from other conspecifics that they aren't paired with. They are considered to be reef safe (as long as they are provided with plenty of marine algae to keep them from nipping at stony and soft corals) and would do well in a community reef or FOWLR environment.

Yellow Blotch Rabbitfish are herbivores and eat copious marine algae within their natural habitat. In the aquarium their diet should consist of a variety of high quality, vitamin enriched, marine algae preparations, and quality Spirulina-based flake foods for herbivores. They will also graze on filamentous algae within the aquarium, but should also be fed once or twice a day.

The Yellow Blotch Rabbitfish like all Rabbitfishes, has venomous spines on their dorsal, pectoral and anal fins. While not fatal to humans, their sting can be extremely painful. Most injuries to hobbyists occur when they attempt to handle the Rabbitfish without wearing gloves. Hobbyists should use plastic collection containers while wearing gloves if they need to catch or move Rabbitfish.