The Virgate Rabbitfish is commonly referred to as the Barhead Spinefoot, Barred Spinefoot, Double Barred Spinefoot, Double-barred Spinefoot, Doublebarred Spinefoot, Double-bar Rabbitfish, and Two Barred Rabbitfish. With its beautiful and vivid hue, the Virgate Rabbitfish makes a stunning addition to any tank. Although it is a peaceful fish, it features stout and venomous spines. The Virgate Rabbitfish grows up to 10 inches in the wild, but is imported at about 2 inches. It should not be housed with other species of rabbitfish. Small juvenile Virgate Rabbitfish can be kept in groups if the aquarium is big enough, while larger juveniles and adults should be kept alone or in pairs. The Virgate Rabbitfish can be combined with most types of fish, because of the venomous spines even aggressive species will fear and leave the peaceful rabbitfish alone. If not fed well, the Virgate Rabbitfish may found nipping over the soft corals and hard corals with large polyps, hence may consider reef safe but with caution. It is an herbivores species and chiefly feeds on macro algae, bubble algae and natural algae. The aquarium should contain many live rocks that encourage the growth of natural algae and allows the fish to carry out its natural grazing behavior. Be extra careful while handling the Virgate Rabbitfish, because the venomous spines can inflict a painful sting. It thrives well in a temperature range of 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit and pH of 8.1-8.4.
This rabbitfish is more outgoing than its relative the Foxface. A peaceful addition to any community aquarium.This fish can be recognized by the two bars that adorn its body. The first bar extends from the bottom of the mouth to the top of the head and masks the eyes. The second runs from the 4th-5th dorsal spine base to the base of the pectoral fin. The body is also marked with blue spotted eye bands and shoulder bands. Behind and adjacent to the shoulder band you can see a silvery yellow area.This species has stout, venomous spines.The rabbitfish should be fed algaes, natural seaweeds, macroalgaes, dried seaweed and a herbivore prepared diet. Meaty foods such as brine may be offered as a treat, but too much can harm them.
