Description

About the Double Bar Rabbitfish (Siganus virgatus)

The Double Bar Rabbitfish, also known as the Barhead Spinefoot or Virgate Rabbitfish, is a beautiful and functional fish featuring a silver-grey body with two distinctive vertical black bars and blue spotted patterns. This peaceful herbivore is highly valued for its exceptional algae-grazing abilities, making it one of the best natural algae controllers available. Their peaceful temperament, reef-safe nature, and voracious appetite for nuisance algae make them excellent additions to reef aquariums.

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 300 litres (75 gallons) due to their active swimming and adult size (up to 25cm)
• Diet: Primarily herbivorous - requires abundant marine algae, nori sheets, spirulina, and herbivore pellets. Will accept some meaty foods
• Water Parameters: Temperature 24-27°C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.023-1.025
• Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times daily with emphasis on algae-based foods
• Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate - hardy and peaceful

Tank Compatibility

Peaceful and completely reef-safe. Excellent community fish compatible with most peaceful to semi-aggressive species. Can be kept with tangs, angelfish, clownfish, and other peaceful fish. May be kept in pairs or small groups if introduced simultaneously. Very peaceful toward other fish. Completely safe with all corals and invertebrates. Outstanding algae grazers that help control hair algae, bubble algae, and other nuisance algae. One of the best natural algae control fish available.

Fun Facts

• Possess venomous spines on dorsal and anal fins - handle with extreme care
• One of the most effective algae-eating fish in the hobby
• Can consume large amounts of algae daily, helping control nuisance growth
• Often found in pairs in the wild and can be kept in pairs in captivity
• Color may fade at night or when stressed, returning to normal during the day
• Can live 10-15 years in captivity
• Native to the Indo-Pacific region

Special Care Tips

• VENOMOUS SPINES: Handle with extreme caution - spines can deliver painful stings. Use container, never net with bare hands
• Algae Availability: Ensure adequate algae or supplement heavily with nori and algae-based foods
• Feeding: Feed 2-3 times daily. Use veggie clips for nori sheets
• Tank Maturity: Best added to established tanks with natural algae growth
• Acclimation: Use slow drip acclimation (45-60 minutes)
• Pairing: Can be kept in pairs if introduced together - often form strong bonds
• Reef Safety: Completely safe with all corals - won't nip or damage them
• First Aid: If stung, immerse affected area in hot water (as hot as tolerable) and seek medical attention if severe

Please be aware that variations exist within species, so your item may not precisely resemble the provided image. The size range of individual specimens is approximate and may vary. Any extraordinary fish size will be explicitly specified.