General description

Rabbitfish are a fairly large family of colorful saltwater fish. They are characterized by their rectangular bodies and small, protruding, rabbit-like mouths. Most species grow up to around 9 inches in length and are a very hardy species of marine fish. This along with their high disease resistance and peaceful temperament make them excellent choices for most beginner aquarists. Their anal, dorsal and pectoral fins have several poisonous spikes which it uses as a defense mechanism. For this reason it is extremely important to use gloves when handling this fish.

Rabbitfish are a fairly large family of colorful saltwater fish.

Origins

Rabbitfish are native to the shallow regions of the Indo-Pacific Ocean.

Color

Most species of rabbitfish are brightly colored and have intricate patterns on their bodies. They come in shades of black, yellow, blue and green.

Maintenance and care

Rabbitfish are an extremely peaceful, timid species of fish and make excellent additions to most community aquariums. They can also be housed with more aggressive species of fish that leave them alone because of its venomous spines. Care should be taken when reaching into the rabbitfish aquarium as these fish are easily scared and can use their poisonous spikes at the slightest inclination of danger. While not lethal to humans, their sting can be extremely painful.

Rabbitfish prefer aquariums with large open swimming areas as well as numerous hiding places. They can be kept in large groups as juveniles but do turn territorial towards other rabbitfish as they reach maturity. Adults should be housed alone or in mated pairs.

Most species of rabbitfish are known to feed on live coral and caution is advised when keeping them in reef tanks. They however do not prey on smaller species of fish and other invertebrates.

Rabbitfish are an extremely peaceful, timid species of fish and make excellent additions to most community aquariums.

Feeding

Rabbitfish are herbivores and should be fed on a varied diet of flakes, pellets and fresh vegetables. They will also graze heartily on any algae growth in the aquarium.

Breeding

There are no reports of successful breeding attempts of rabbitfish in the home aquarium.

Aquarium varieties

Blue Spotted Rabbitfish, Decorated Rabbitfish, Two Barred Rabbitfish, Yellow Blotch Rabbitfish, etc.

Photo credit: jon hanson/Flickr; BS Thurner Hof/Wikimedia