{"product_id":"starry-rabbitfish","title":"Starry Rabbitfish","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Scribbled Rabbitfish (\u003cem\u003eSiganus virgatus\u003c\/em\u003e) is a distinctive marine aquarium fish with an elegant combination of silver, yellow, brown, and blue markings. Two dark diagonal bands cross the head and shoulder area, while fine blue spotting and scribbled markings add intricate detail to its coloration. Its deep, laterally compressed body and active swimming behavior give it a strong visual presence in larger saltwater aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the Indo-West Pacific, this species occurs from southern India and Sri Lanka through Southeast Asia, the Philippines, Indonesia, southern China, and northern Australia. It naturally inhabits shallow coral reefs, coastal reef flats, rocky areas, and estuarine environments, where adults are often encountered in pairs. Much of its day is spent grazing on benthic algae.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaching approximately 12 inches as an adult, the Scribbled Rabbitfish is best suited to spacious reef or fish-only aquariums with established rockwork and plenty of open swimming room. Its generally peaceful temperament and useful algae-grazing behavior make it an appealing addition to larger community systems, although its venomous fin spines and occasional interest in sessile invertebrates should be considered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare Level: Easy to Moderate\u003cbr\u003eMinimum Tank Size: 125 gallons\u003cbr\u003eTemperament: Peaceful\u003cbr\u003eDiet: Herbivore\u003cbr\u003eReef Safe: With Caution\u003cbr\u003eRegion: Indo-West Pacific\u003cbr\u003eScientific Name: \u003cem\u003eSiganus virgatus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a spacious aquarium with a combination of open swimming areas and substantial rockwork. Mature live rock is particularly beneficial because it provides natural algae for grazing throughout the day while also offering caves and sheltered areas for resting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause this species can reach approximately 12 inches and develops a substantial, deep-bodied profile, adequate horizontal swimming room is essential for long-term housing. Keep the aquascape open enough for comfortable movement rather than filling the entire aquarium with dense rockwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to strong water movement and efficient filtration are appropriate. A secure aquarium cover is recommended, especially during acclimation when rabbitfish may become startled more easily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Scribbled Rabbitfish is primarily herbivorous and naturally feeds heavily on benthic seaweeds and algae. A vegetable-rich diet is important for maintaining proper body condition and long-term health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer dried marine algae or nori regularly, ideally attached to a feeding clip for natural grazing behavior. Supplement with spirulina-based foods, quality herbivore pellets, frozen marine herbivore preparations, and other algae-rich foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and mixed frozen marine foods can be offered occasionally for additional dietary variety, but marine vegetable matter should remain a major component of the diet. Feeding one to three times daily, along with regular access to algae, is appropriate for most established specimens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Scribbled Rabbitfish is generally peaceful toward unrelated marine fish and can be kept with a wide variety of similarly sized community species. Suitable tankmates may include tangs, angelfish, wrasses, clownfish, anthias, larger gobies, and other peaceful to moderately assertive saltwater fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdults naturally occur in pairs, but keeping multiple rabbitfish in captivity requires adequate space and careful observation. Territorial behavior may occur toward other rabbitfish, particularly similarly shaped or closely related species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen frightened, stressed, or resting, rabbitfish may temporarily darken or develop mottled coloration. This rapid color change is normal behavior and typically disappears once the fish feels secure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dorsal and anal fin spines are venomous and are used defensively. The fish is not normally aggressive toward aquarists, but caution should be used when transferring it or working near the fish inside the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReef Safe: With Caution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Scribbled Rabbitfish can be maintained successfully in many reef aquariums and is especially useful for grazing algae from established rockwork. It generally poses little threat to ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails, and other mobile invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, individual specimens may occasionally nip at soft corals, zoanthids, fleshy LPS corals, or other sessile invertebrates. Providing abundant algae and a varied vegetable-rich diet may reduce unwanted grazing, but complete coral safety cannot be guaranteed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperature: 75–80°F\u003cbr\u003eSpecific Gravity: 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003epH: 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003eAlkalinity: 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable water chemistry is more important than maintaining one exact value within these ranges. Avoid rapid fluctuations in temperature, salinity, or pH, particularly during acclimation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaches approximately 12 inches and requires substantial swimming space as an adult.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePossesses venomous fin spines and should be handled with appropriate caution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRequires a vegetable-rich diet with regular access to marine algae.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMay become territorial toward other rabbitfish or similarly shaped species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGenerally suitable for reef aquariums with caution, as individual fish may occasionally nip at soft corals, zoanthids, or fleshy coral tissue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"S","offer_id":52555033116970,"sku":"RABBITxStarryS","price":95.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52555033149738,"sku":"RABBITxStarrySM","price":104.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"M","offer_id":52555033182506,"sku":"RABBITxStarryM","price":131.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ML","offer_id":52555033215274,"sku":"RABBITxStarryML","price":143.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"L","offer_id":52555033248042,"sku":"RABBITxStarryL","price":194.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL","offer_id":52555033280810,"sku":"RABBITxStarryX","price":248.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XX","offer_id":52555033313578,"sku":"RABBITxStarryXX","price":365.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/StarryRabbitfish_bea9cea2-3f69-4013-8bba-559d640c39c4.png?v=1788983715","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/starry-rabbitfish","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}