Rabbitfish

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT
fast facts

About Rabbitfish

Size
Medium
Group
Saltwater
Temperament
Non-aggressive
Aquarium Size
Large (55 gal)
Swimming Region
All
Fish Water Condition
Suitable Tank Mates
Anthias, Basslets, Batfish, Clownfish, Gobies, Damsels, Hogfish and Tangs
Difficulty Of Care
Weekly care
ADVERTISEMENT

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

ADVERTISEMENT

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

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Green Winged Macaw

Easily one of the largest of all Macaw parrots, the Green Winged Macaw is a fantastic bird that will make a great lifelong companion to a lucky owner!
European Burmese

The loving and affectionate European Burmese exhibits loyalty to its humans, seeking out companionship, and wanting to be actively involved in every project
Spiny Softshell Turtle

There are several subspecies of the Spiny Softshell Turtle, but one thing that makes all of them interesting is their unique shell.
Silver Dollar

Silver dollars are an extremely popular species of freshwater fish. They get their name from their almost round shaped bodies and silver coloring.
Peke-A-Tese

The spunky little Peke-A-Tese brings the spirited nature of the Pekingese together with the fun personality of the Maltese.
Spotted Saddle Horse

The Spotted Saddle Horse has a comfortable, smooth gait and an endearing personality. Every horse has a different coat pattern, making each one unique.
Turquoise Rumped Parrotlet

A little bird that offers a lot, the Turquoise Rumped Parrotlet might weigh just an ounce, but it has a TON of loveable traits.
Belgian Warmblood Horse

The Belgian Warmblood Horse is one of the best jumping breeds in the world. This horse breed is suited to riders with a moderate level of experience.
American Paint Horse

The American Paint Horse is one of the fastest growing horse breeds. They are known for being friendly and social, and can be used for multiple purposes.
6 Advantages Of Living In A Multi Dog Household

Two dogs are better than one – Let’s look at the pros of a multi dog household The more, the merrier – that’s the motto of many famil…
American Curl

The temperament of an American Curl is nothing short of outstanding. They love spending time with humans, showing open affectionate and are interactive.
American Pitbull Terrier

The American Pitbull Terrier often gets a bad rap for being an aggressive breed. In reality, this dog is a friendly, gentle-hearted breed you''ve met.
Japanese Chin

Like the Pug, another Asian-originated breed, the Japanese Chin has a history that predates many of the breeds we''d consider to be classic today.
Boulonnais Horse

Considered the most elegant of all of the equine draft breeds, the Boulonnais Horse is also referred to as the White Marble Horse.
Gourami

Gourami are a relatively hardy species of freshwater aquarium fish and are thus suitable for most intermediate aquarists. Square shaped, compressed body.