Orange Spotted Rabbitfish

Orange Spotted Rabbitfish: The Venomous Algae Specialist

The Orange Spotted Rabbitfish (Siganus guttatus), also known as the Goldlined Spinefoot or Yellow Blotch Rabbitfish, is a large, highly sought-after species for its vibrant coloration and exceptional algae-eating capabilities. This fish is characterized by a sleek, compressed body that is typically a pearly white or light blue-grey, covered in numerous striking orange to yellow spots. A distinctive large yellow or orange blotch often appears near the base of the caudal fin (tail).

Native to the Indo-West Pacific, the Orange Spotted Rabbitfish is a peaceful herbivore that can reach a significant adult size of 10 to 15 inches (25-38 cm) in captivity. Due to its potential size and active nature, a large marine aquarium of at least 120 gallons is required to provide adequate swimming space and stable water quality.

Like all rabbitfish, the Orange Spotted Rabbitfish possesses venomous spines on its dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins. While generally non-aggressive, these spines can be quickly raised when the fish feels threatened, demanding extreme caution during all tank maintenance and handling.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This fish is a dedicated Herbivore (Algae Eater). Its diet is absolutely critical and must consist primarily of various algae. In the aquarium, it should be fed large amounts of dried seaweed (Nori) attached to a clip, multiple times per week. The diet should be supplemented with high-quality vegetable-based flake or pellet foods containing Spirulina. A well-established tank with plenty of live rock for grazing is essential.
• Algae Control: Rabbitfish are one of the few species known to aggressively graze on nuisance algae, including hair algae and bubble algae, making them an invaluable part of the clean-up crew.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe With Caution. When well-fed on marine algae, it generally leaves corals alone. However, if underfed, it may begin to nip at or consume the polyps of some Large Polyp Stony (LPS) and soft corals. Monitor closely when first introduced to a reef system.
• Temperament: It is Peaceful toward most other tankmates, including tangs, wrasses, and angels. Its venomous spines allow it to coexist even with larger, more aggressive fish. It should not be housed with other rabbitfish (including Foxfaces, which are a related species), as they will often fight, though a well-established mated pair can sometimes be kept in a very large tank (180+ gallons).
• Venomous Spines: The venom is delivered through grooves in the spines and causes extreme pain but is rarely life-threatening to healthy humans. If stung, immediately soak the affected area in the hottest water you can tolerate (not scalding) for 30-90 minutes, as heat breaks down the protein-based venom. Seek medical attention immediately.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Siganus guttatus
• Primary Common Name: Orange Spotted Rabbitfish
• Other Common Names: Yellow Blotch Rabbitfish, Goldlined Spinefoot, Gold Saddle Rabbitfish
• Origin: Indo-West Pacific (Widespread)
• Max Size: 10-15 inches (25-38 cm)
• Temperament: Peaceful (Venomous Spines)
• Diet: Herbivore (Requires continuous grazing/algae sheets)
• Minimum Tank Size: 120+ Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: With Caution (May nip LPS/Soft corals if underfed)
• Care Level: Moderate