Common name: Blackeye rabbitfish
General information
The Mimic Lemon Peel Tang, scientifically known as Siganus puelloides, is a captivating species that resembles the Lemon Peel Angelfish in coloration. This resemblance is an example of mimicry in the wild, where the Mimic Lemon Peel Tang gains some protection from predators by looking like the more aggressive and territorial Lemon Peel Angelfish.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 26 °C (75 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 35 cm (1′2″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Adaptable but needs veggie diet
- Diet
- Herbivore Prefers algae, seaweed sheets
- Social
- Solo Can be territorial
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May nip at other fish
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyRabbitfishSiganidae
- GenusRabbitfishSiganus
- SpeciesBlackeye rabbitfishSiganus puelloides Woodland & Randall, 1979
Care
Siganus puelloides is a hardy species that adapts well to life in captivity. They require a spacious tank with plenty of swimming room and a variety of hiding places. A diet rich in marine algae and vegetable matter is essential for their health, and they can also be offered meaty foods occasionally.
Reproduction
In the wild, Siganus puelloides forms large spawning aggregations. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but with optimal conditions and a well-established pair, spawning may occur. The eggs are pelagic, and the larvae require specialized care.
Habitat
This species is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit coral-rich areas of lagoons and outer reefs, often in clear water.
Mimic Lemon Peel Tangs are typically found at depths ranging from the shallows down to about 30 meters.