Siganus genus color variation between juvenile and adult?

[markjd]

Have seen some amazingly colorful pics of Siganus genus fish on this forum. My LFS had a Siganus doliatus in store this weekend. The coloration was nothing like the pics I've seen here. The fish was a drab brown color with dull blue stripes.

After a little reading online, it appears the more colorful fish are adults. For the folks here who have the colorful Siganus, are they adult or juvenile fish?

[Geoff]

are you sure it is a S. doliatus? the S. virgatus looks very similar. i do not have my guide with me right now to help more though.

G~

[markjd]

Originally Posted by Geoff

are you sure it is a S. doliatus? the S. virgatus looks very similar. i do not have my guide with me right now to help more though.

G~

LFS was not entirely sure it was S. doliatus, and neither am I However, LFS said they might be getting a small S. doliatus in this weekend for comparison. Apparently different suppliers for both fish.

[Weatherman]

Here's a juvenile Siganus virgatus. Not as colorful as a doliatus, but not bad. It will get a mottled brown color when frightened.

[markjd]

Thanks for the info

It's possible the fish was brown due to stress, being as it was introduced to the tank a couple of days earlier. I'll go back this w/e to see if there is a difference.

[markjd]

I went back to the LFS today and compared the two Siganus doliatus. The new small one is much prettier, so I bought it And when I say small, it is probably 2" max.

[markjd]

I went back to the LFS today and compared the two Siganus doliatus. The new small one is much prettier, so I bought it And when I say small, it is probably 2" max. My Chromis are about the same size