Gold Spotted Rabbitfish

Also known as Gold Spotted Spinefoot, Yellow Blotch Rabbitfish

The Gold Spotted Rabbitfish is a stunning species featuring a silvery-blue body adorned with distinctive gold-orange spots and blotches. This hardy, peaceful herbivore is an excellent algae controller for large reef aquariums. While generally peaceful, this species possesses venomous dorsal spines that require careful handling. Its attractive coloration and exceptional grazing behavior make it a popular choice for controlling nuisance algae.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Siganus punctatus
• Common Names: Gold Spotted Rabbitfish, Gold Spotted Spinefoot, Spotted Rabbitfish
• Adult Size: Up to 14-16 inches
• Lifespan: 8-12 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful; may be territorial toward other rabbitfish
• Reef Compatibility: Reef safe with caution; may nip at some corals if underfed
• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons minimum; 180+ gallons preferred
• Experience Level: Intermediate; venomous spines require careful handling

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Tank Environment: Provide substantial open swimming areas with live rock formations for grazing and shelter. Appreciates caves and overhangs for nighttime resting. Strong water flow and excellent water quality. Ensure plenty of natural algae growth or supplemental feeding. Established reef systems ideal.

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
• Algae growth (beneficial for grazing)

These maintain optimal conditions for this active herbivore.

Diet & Feeding

Gold Spotted Rabbitfish are primarily herbivores with hearty appetites.

Recommended foods include:

• Primary: Marine algae sheets (nori), dried seaweed
• Fresh Foods: Fresh marine macroalgae (Gracilaria, Caulerpa)
• Supplemental: Spirulina flakes, herbivore pellets, veggie-based frozen foods
• Variety: Blanched vegetables (broccoli, zucchini), marine algae wafers
• Occasional: Small amounts of meaty foods (mysis shrimp, brine shrimp)

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

Special Note: Excellent algae eater; will consume hair algae, bubble algae, and various nuisance algae. Must be fed frequently to prevent coral nipping. Constant access to algae critical for health.

Social Structure & Compatibility

• Tankmates: Peaceful toward most fish species
• Territorial: May be aggressive toward other rabbitfish or similar-shaped fish
• Pairs: Can be kept in pairs if introduced simultaneously in large tanks
• Reef Behavior: Generally reef safe but may nip at soft corals or LPS if hungry

Notes & Considerations

• Beautiful coloration: silvery-blue body with gold-orange spots and blotches.
• Pattern varies individually; some specimens are more heavily spotted than others.
• Excellent algae controller for large reef aquariums.
• Will consume hair algae, bubble algae, and other nuisance species.
• VENOMOUS SPINES: Dorsal, anal, and pelvic spines contain venom.
• Spine stings are extremely painful; can cause swelling and localized pain for hours.
• Always use caution when handling or working in a tank.
• Never handle with bare hands; use nets or containers.
• Keep vinegar or hot water available for treatment if stung.
• Venom breaks down with heat; hot water immersion helps relieve pain.
• Spines are defensive; fish are not aggressive but will defend if cornered.
• Generally peaceful toward other fish species.
• May become territorial toward other rabbitfish species.
• Best kept singly unless the tank is very large (200+ gallons).
• Can be kept in pairs if introduced together in spacious systems.
• Active swimmer; patrols entire tank while grazing.
• Constantly picks at rocks and surfaces searching for algae.
• May nip at soft corals, zoanthids, or LPS if underfed (rare with proper feeding).
• Generally leaves SPS corals alone.
• Reef-safe with caution; ensure adequate algae supply or supplemental feeding.
• Changes color at night: develops mottled camouflage pattern while sleeping.
• Dramatic color change is normal; returns to regular coloration in the morning.
• Often sleeps wedged in rockwork or caves.
• Hardy once established; relatively disease-resistant.
• Can grow quite large; plan for adult size.
• Native to Indo-Pacific coral reef regions.
• Wild-caught specimens are most common; captive-bred rarely available.
• Adapts quickly to aquarium life and prepared foods.
• Long-lived with proper care.

Why Choose a Quarantined Gold Spotted Rabbitfish?

Purchasing a quarantined specimen from us means you’re starting with a healthier, well-acclimated fish. All fish are observed, treated as needed, and trained to accept varied prepared foods including algae-based diets before sale. Proper quarantine is especially important for herbivorous species to ensure they’re accepting prepared foods adequately. This provides the best foundation for long-term success with this beautiful and functional species. Always exercise extreme caution around venomous spines.