
Scribbled Rabbitfish (Siganus Doliatus)
Also Known As: Barred Spinefoot, Blue Lined Rabbitfish
Compatibility and Behavior
The Scribbled Rabbitfish (Siganus doliatus) is truly one of the most colorful Rabbitfish. It pairs a pale bluish-gray to yellow upper body with a silvery-white belly, overlaid by a network of fine iridescent blue lines that run vertically across the upper flanks and shift horizontal along the caudal peduncle, producing the circuit-board effect behind its name. Two oblique dark brown bars are the clearest ID feature, one sweeping from the chin through the eye to the nape and a second running from the front of the dorsal down behind the gill cover, with clean bright yellow dorsal and caudal fins. It's often confused with the Two Barred Rabbitfish, but the vertical blue scribbling on the flanks separates it.
Note on stress coloration: like other rabbitfish, it can drop that bright coloration in seconds and switch to mottled brown camouflage when sleeping or startled, so a suddenly dull-looking fish is usually just resting rather than unwell, with color returning as it settles. These are active, peaceful grazers that work the rockwork all day, and many reefers seek them out for their appetite for hair algae and bubble algae. Reef compatibility comes with the standard rabbitfish caveat: a well-fed specimen usually leaves corals alone, but an underfed one may nip, so steady greens are the real safeguard. Fish compatibility is easy, since their venomous spines earn respect even from assertive species, so they mix well with tangs, angelfish, wrasses, and most community fish. The one firm rule is no other rabbitfish or foxfaces. Handling deserves genuine caution, as the dorsal, anal, and pelvic spines are venomous and inflict a sting comparable to a lionfish, so know where the fish is during maintenance and move it in a rigid container rather than a mesh net.
Aquarium Requirements
The small to medium specimens in the trade can be grown out in a 75 gallon tank, but this species matures into a substantial fish that will want 120 to 150 gallons or more with at least 18 inches of front-to-back width, so plan the upgrade path before buying. Build around generous open swimming lanes fronting mature live rock that serves as both grazing pasture and overnight shelter, since crevices to wedge into noticeably reduce stress. A sand substrate suits it, moderate to strong flow with good surface agitation reflects the reef edges it inhabits, and medium to strong lighting encourages the algae film it grazes. Adding one to a well-established tank with existing algae growth makes initial feeding much easier. Supplement grazing with dried nori or Ulva on a clip three to four times a week, along with spirulina flakes, herbivore pellets, and vegetable-based frozen foods, offering meaty items like mysis only in moderation, and feed two to three small meals daily to mirror natural grazing. A secure, tight-fitting lid is essential since they jump when startled.
Specifications
Approximate Size: 2.5–4"
Diet: Herbivore; dried nori and Ulva on a clip, spirulina flakes, herbivore pellets, and vegetable-based frozen foods, supplemented by natural algae grazing on live rock, with occasional mysis or brine shrimp, fed 2–3 times daily
Origin: Western Pacific
Care Level: Moderate
Reef Safe: With caution
Temperament: Peaceful
Special Considerations: Venomous dorsal, anal, and pelvic spines inflict a lionfish-like sting, so handle with care and move it in a rigid container rather than a net. Reef safe with caution, as an underfed fish may nip corals, so keep it well grazed on greens.
Pairs well with
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Shipping Information
- Our shipping days are Monday-Thursday. Orders will be shipped overnight on the soonest possible shipping day, unless you request to hold the order for up to one business day.
- Your order will ship same-day if placed before 12:30 PM PST on a shipping day.
- Orders placed after 12:30 PM PST will ship on the next shipping day.
- Stay tuned to our Announcement Bar (black bar at the top of every page) for important shipping announcements...we may reach our max limit of orders we can ship on Mondays.
- If it is very hot, very cold, or if you live in a rural area, ship to a UPS Access Point to save your livestock from hours of exposure to the elements. Click here to see how.
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FAQ’s
When will you ship my order?
We will ship on the soonest possible shipping day. Our shipping days are Monday-Thursday, and we ship same-day if the order is placed before 12:30 PM PST (unless announced otherwise). For example, if ordering at 1 PM on Thursday, your order will ship the following Monday.
Can you hold my order until next week?
Unfortunately not. We can hold items for up to one business day before shipping. We restock weekly, so chances are good we will receive more by next week!
When is the best time to order?
Saturdays and Sundays are the absolute best time to order, followed by Wednesday evenings. The closer you order to an inventory update, the better the available inventory.
What happens if something I ordered is unavailable?
We will email you to request a substitution. If you would like your original order, chances are good that it will be available to ship within the week (unless it is a very rare item).
Can I modify my order once it has been placed?
This is possible, but not guaranteed. Please email us if you need to modify your order or shipping address, and we will gladly make the changes for you, or let you know if it is too late.
What should I do if UPS is unreliable in my area?
We recommend shipping to a UPS Access Point, as packages get delivered there first before trucks go on residential deliveries. Click here to see how.
What salinity do you ship at?
Salinity for fish is 1.018-9. Salinity for inverts is 1.024-5.
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Contact Us
Send us an email at sales@reefbeauties.com and we will get back to you shortly.
We do not offer phone calls. We handle our inquiries with timely emails to ensure a qualified and high-quality response, to have all conversations on record, and to avoid miscommunications that can occur over the phone.
Free shipping on orders over $199!
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
When will you ship my order?
We will ship on the soonest possible shipping day. Our shipping days are Monday-Thursday, and we ship same-day if the order is placed before 12:30 PM PST (unless announced otherwise). For example, if ordering at 1 PM on Thursday, your order will ship the following Monday.
Can you hold my order until next week?
Unfortunately not. We can hold items for up to one business day before shipping. We restock weekly, so chances are good we will receive more by next week!
When is the best time to order?
Saturdays and Sundays are the absolute best time to order, followed by Wednesday evenings. The closer you order to an inventory update, the better the available inventory.
What happens if something I ordered is unavailable?
We will email you to request a substitution. If you would like your original order, chances are good that it will be available to ship within the week (unless it is a very rare item).
Can I modify my order once it has been placed?
This is possible, but not guaranteed. Please email us if you need to modify your order or shipping address, and we will gladly make the changes for you, or let you know if it is too late.
What should I do if FedEx is unreliable in my area?
We recommend shipping to a FedEx Ship Center, as packages get delivered there first before trucks go on residential deliveries. Click here to see how.
What salinity do you ship at?
Salinity for fish is 1.018-9. Salinity for inverts is 1.024-5.
