Blue Lined Rabbitfish - Medium

The Blue Lined Rabbitfish is named because of the blueish lines that run down its body. Other distinguishing features include two slanted black bars. One runs through its eye, the other runs down its body in front of the pectoral fin. Their body is pale blue or white and the dorsal and caudal fins are yellow. When frightened it may change colour and go paler or brownish. The spines on its back are venomous so handle with care.

Blue Lined Rabbitfish are believed to be lunar-synchronized spawners. Gametes are released during the first quarter moon. It takes a year for them to become sexually mature and they can produce 500 eggs each season. It is difficult to visually identify different sexes.

This species can be found in the Western-Pacific area. Locations include Eastern Indonesia, Palau, Australia, and Tonga. They inhabit seaward reefs and deep, coral-rich lagoons. Usually between depths of 2-15 metres.

Tank Recommendations for the Blue Lined Rabbitfish

Tank size should be at least 150 gallons (567 litres).

Blue Lined Rabbitfish can stay in reef or fish only tank. However, a reef tank may need monitoring as they may nibble some corals if hungry. These are active fish so there should be plenty of open space for swimming.

A suitable tank should be mature, with algae on rocks and stones for grazing. If there is insufficient algae, it can be supplemented with algae rich food such as Spirulina.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Blue Finned Rabbitfish have a peaceful temperament. But they can show aggression to conspecifics. It is recommended to keep a single specimen unless it's part of a mated pair.

Soft corals may get nibbled if it's hungry, and it may chase other herbivores.

Usually Compatible

Blue Lined Rabbitfish are most suitable cohabiting with docile or semi-aggressive tank buddies. They are peaceful temperament with most other fish. Predators will be wary of their venomous. Suitable choices include Clownfish, Angelfish, Batfish, Filefish, Damselfish, Pufferfish, and reef safe Wrasses.

Sometime Compatible

Eels, Triggerfish, Shark or Rays, Tangs, and fish only Wrasses may need monitoring. If the Blue Lined Rabbitfish is hungry it may target live coral and invertebrates. Conspecifics are only suitable if fish are part of a mated pair.

Rarely Compatible

Slow movers such as Seahorses or Pipefish are unsuitable tank buddies.

Feeding Your Blue Lined Rabbitfish

Blue Lined Rabbitfish are mainly herbivores, but they will consume some meaty foods too. They eat a large amount of vegetable matter, algae, spirulina, and dried seaweed such as nori. Live enriched brine shrimp can be used to encourage them to feed when getting used to the aquarium. Feeding should occur several times per day.