Orange Spot Rabbitfish

Also known as Orangespotted Spinefoot, Decorated Rabbitfish

The Orange Spot Rabbitfish is an attractive species featuring a blue-grey body covered with distinctive orange spots and intricate gold vermiculated patterns on the face. This hardy, peaceful herbivore is an excellent algae controller with a bold personality. While similar in care to other rabbitfish, this species displays unique coloration and pattern. Like all rabbitfish, it possesses venomous spines requiring careful handling.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Siganus guttatus
• Common Names: Orangespotted Rabbitfish, Orange Spot Spinefoot, Decorated Rabbitfish
• Adult Size: Up to 16 inches
• Lifespan: 10-12 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful; may be territorial toward conspecifics
• Reef Compatibility: Reef safe with caution; may nip at some corals if underfed
• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons 
• Experience Level: Intermediate; venomous spines require careful handling

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Tank Environment: Provide substantial open swimming areas with extensive live rock for grazing and shelter. Include caves and overhangs for nighttime resting. Strong water flow and excellent water quality. Established reef systems with natural algae growth ideals. Multiple grazing surfaces are beneficial.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Stable, high-quality water conditions essential

Equipment Recommendations:

• Quality filtration system
• Protein skimmer
• Strong water circulation
• Encourage natural algae growth

These maintain healthy conditions for this active herbivore.

Diet & Feeding

Orange Spot Rabbitfish are herbivores with voracious appetites.

Recommended foods include:

• Primary: Marine algae sheets (nori), dried seaweed
• Fresh Foods: Fresh marine macroalgae (Gracilaria, Caulerpa, sea lettuce)
• Staples: Spirulina flakes, herbivore pellets, veggie-based foods
• Supplemental: Algae wafers, blanched vegetables (broccoli, zucchini, spinach)
• Occasional: Small amounts of meaty foods (mysis shrimp, brine shrimp enriched with spirulina)

Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times daily; constant grazing species

Special Note: Excellent algae eater; will consume hair algae, bubble algae, turf algae, and other nuisance species. Frequent feeding is essential to prevent coral nipping behavior.

Social Structure & Compatibility

• Tankmates: Peaceful toward most fish; excellent community species
• Territorial: May be aggressive toward other rabbitfish species
• Pairs: Can be kept in pairs if introduced simultaneously in large tanks (180+ gallons)
• Reef Behavior: Generally reef safe but may occasionally nip at soft corals when hungry

Notes & Considerations

• Attractive coloration: blue-grey body with distinctive orange spots.
• The face displays intricate gold vermiculated (maze-like) patterns.
• Pattern and spot intensity varies individually.
• Outstanding algae controller for reef aquariums.
• Will eagerly consume various nuisance algae species.
• One of the best natural algae control options available.
• VENOMOUS SPINES: Dorsal, anal, and pelvic spines contain venom.
• Spine stings are extremely painful and can cause severe localized reactions.
• Pain, swelling, and discomfort can persist for several hours.
• Always exercise extreme caution when working in a tank.
• Never handle with bare hands; use nets or containers carefully.
• Hot water immersion helps break down venom proteins and relieve pain.
• Keep first aid supplies and hot water readily available.
• Spines are defensive only; fish are not naturally aggressive.
• Very peaceful toward other fish species.
• May become aggressive toward other rabbitfish; territorial behavior.
• Best kept singly unless the tank is very large (200+ gallons).
• Pairs can coexist if added together in spacious systems.
• Active swimmer; constantly patrols tank while grazing.
• Continuously picks at rocks and surfaces searching for algae.
• May nip at soft corals, zoanthids, or LPS if severely underfed.
• Proper frequent feeding prevents coral nipping behavior.
• Generally leaves SPS and most corals alone when well-fed.
• Reef-safe with caution; adequate feeding critical.
• Displays dramatic color change at night: develops dark mottled camouflage pattern.
• Nighttime color change is normal behavior; returns to regular coloration at dawn.
• Often sleeps wedged into caves or rockwork crevices.
• Hardy and disease-resistant once established.
• Adapts readily to aquarium life and prepared foods.
• Can grow quite large; plan for adult size.
• Native to Indo-Pacific coral reef regions.
• Most specimens wild-caught; acclimate well with proper quarantine.
• A bold personality often becomes interactive with the owner.
• May beg for food at glass during feeding times.
• Long-lived with proper care.
• Similar in appearance and care to Golden-lined Rabbitfish.

Why Choose a Quarantined Orange Spot Rabbitfish?

Purchasing a quarantined specimen from us means you’re starting with a healthier, better-acclimated fish. All fish are observed, treated as needed, and trained to accept varied prepared algae-based foods before sale. Proper quarantine ensures the fish is eating well and free of parasites, which is especially important for herbivorous species. This provides the strongest foundation for long-term success with this attractive and functional species. Always exercise extreme caution around venomous spines and keep first aid supplies available.