Also Known As: Barred Spinefoot, Blue Lined Rabbitfish Compatibility and BehaviorThe 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 RequirementsThe 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. SpecificationsApproximate 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 dailyOrigin: Western PacificCare Level: ModerateReef Safe: With cautionTemperament: PeacefulSpecial 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.
