Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
General Description: The Decorated Rabbitfish, also known as the Masked Rabbitfish, is native to the reefs of the Indo-Pacific. With an elongated body that has a series of yellow-gold markings and a dark stripe that runs diagonally from the mouth toward the top of the head, the Decorated rabbitfish will surely make a unique addition into both a reef or fish only with live rock aquarium. Though it has a peaceful demeanor, the Decorated rabbitfish can be kept successfully with more aggressive species because of its venomous dorsal spines that fish avoid. Because of this, great care must be taken when handling and to be congnicent of its whereabouts in the aquarium during maintenance. An adult Decorated rabbitfish can reach a size of approximately 10″.
Diet Requirements: In the wild rabbitfish are primarily herbivorous. A diet largely consisting of algae-based foods is absolutely necessary to maintain optimal health and coloration. Vegetable based flake foods or frozen foods, that may also include spirulina algae, are excellent options. We also recommend offering dried seaweed on a rock or clip three times a week minimum. Decorated rabbitfish will consume various other protein-based frozen foods.
Care Requirements: A minimum 125 gallon aquarium with 18+ inch width is ideal to house a specimen long term in order to accomodate its large adult size. Smaller specimens can be temporarily raised in smaller quarters (no less than 75 gallons) as long as it is upgraded accordingly. This rabbitfish enjoys a variety of rock work and crevices to take refuge, but also should be provided with open swimming space. Rabbitfish are often sought after to add to a reef aquarium for not only their unique appearance, but their natural tendency to graze upon algae build up including nuisance bubble algae. The Decorated rabbitfish is not compatible with other rabbitfish, and this includes foxfaces. Their addition into a reef aquarium is “with caution” because in certain circumstances where adequate food is not provided, rabbitfish have been observed to nip at macroalgaes, and large polyp stony and soft corals. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: Small: 2″ to 2-3/4″; Medium: 3″ to 3-3/4″; Large: 4″ to 5-3/4″; XLarge: 6″ or larger.
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
