Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: With Caution

General Description: The Gold Spotted Rabbitfish, also known as the Cheetah Rabbitfish, is native to the reefs of the western Pacific, typically collected around Fiji. With an elongated body that is pearly white-blue with small, vivid orange spots across its body and even around the iris of its eye, the Gold spotted rabbitfish will make a stunning addition into both a reef or fish only with live rock aquarium. Not to be mistaken for the more common Orange Spotted Rabbitfish (Siganus guttatus), which has a larger spotted pattern, somewhat duller appearance and bright yellow spot above its caudal fin. Though it has a peaceful demeanor, the Gold spotted 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 cognicent of its whereabouts in the aquarium during maintenance. An adult Gold spotted rabbitfish can reach a size of approximately 12″. Note: This species isn’t frequently available.

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. Gold spotted rabbitfish will consume various other protein-based frozen foods.

Care Requirements: A minimum 125 gallon aquarium with 18+ inch width is ideal. 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 Gold spotted 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 macroalgae, 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: 1-1/4″ to 2″; Medium: 2″ to 4″

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.