Why do Rabbitfish bite the surface?

[jd474]

Anybody know why this is? I've probably taken care of 50 different rabbitfish at one time or another, and every one has done it. Do they like the protein layer? just part of their quirky personality? any thoughts?

 

[LisaD]

I don't know, but mine does it too, generating lots of bubbles. I'd attribute it to quirky personalities, part of what makes rabbitfish so fun.

 

[Kahuna Tuna]

In my tank my doliatus does this only at the edges of the tank and he seems to be after the algae that grows right at the waterline on my euro bracing. My bicolr rabbit doesn't do this at all.

 

[jmaneyapanda]

I bleive it is the protein issue. There would be no biologicial or functional benefit to doing it out of "quirkiness".

 

[SkyPapa]

My one spot does it also and he sticks his snout out of the water in a open top tank begging for food when I come near the tank .