Rabbitfish · Siganidae
Care levelIntermediate
Foxface Rabbitfish
Siganus vulpinus
A yellow-bodied algae grazer with a white snout and bold dark face mask. This is the common foxface, without a rear body spot. Its defensive spines are venomous, and coral safety requires observation.
Feeding is usually manageable; adult housing, venomous spines and possible coral picking need extra planning.
Recommendation
Would you recommend this fish for a suitable saltwater aquarium?
125+ galRecommended tank
9 inchesAdult size
PeacefulTemperament
With cautionCoral safety
+ Why you’ll love them
- Distinctive yellow body and black-and-white face.
- Grazes marine algae.
- Often works with appropriately sized community fish.
! Things to consider
- Venomous fin spines require careful maintenance and handling.
- May nip corals or clam mantles.
- Other rabbitfish can provoke territorial disputes.
- Needs a large adult aquarium.
Tank and habitat
- Recommended volume
- 125 US gallons or larger; allow for stocking and layout.
- Full-grown size
- 9 inches (maximum adult size)
- Tank footprint and swimming space
- Provide a long display with turning room, grazing rock and open swimming lanes; gallons alone do not describe suitable space.
- Tank maturity
- Use a fully cycled, stable marine aquarium. Confirm filtration capacity before increasing the stock; elapsed months alone do not prove readiness. Suggested tank age is a planning guide, not proof of readiness. Complete cycling, stable water and the right food supply are essential.
- Habitat and equipment
- Secure rockwork, shaded retreats, circulation and a lid. Keep hands clear of the venomous dorsal, anal and pelvic spines.
Care and compatibility
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Why this care level
- Feeding is usually manageable; adult housing, venomous spines and possible coral picking need extra planning.
- Suitable tank mates and conflicts
- Choose appropriately sized marine community fish. Avoid persistent harassers and assess any other rabbitfish carefully.
- Alone, pair or group
- One foxface is the simpler aquarium plan. Do not assume unfamiliar rabbitfish will share a territory.
Corals and invertebrates
- Coral safety
-
With caution
With caution: may pick at soft or stony coral tissue, particularly when its diet is inadequate. - Shrimp safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally compatible with established ornamental shrimp; observe individual behavior. - Snail safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally compatible with snails. This is an algae grazer, not a guaranteed pest-control animal. - Clam safety
-
With caution
With caution: monitor for picking at exposed clam mantles.
Food and feeding
- Diet
- Herbivore; marine algae and balanced prepared foods
- Feeding plan
- Offer marine algae daily alongside a balanced herbivore diet. Check that tank mates do not prevent it feeding.
- Prepared or live food
- Algae sheets and suitable herbivore pellets or frozen marine preparations; confirm acceptance before purchase.
Water conditions
- Temperature
- 72–78 °F (22–26 °C). Keep temperature stable and check the shared range for all tank inhabitants.
- Specific gravity
- Specific gravity 1.020–1.025 is the published fish-care range. A reef aquarium must also meet the needs of its invertebrates.
- pH
- pH 8.1–8.4. Monitor alkalinity and maintain stability rather than making abrupt corrections.
Long-term care
- Lifespan
- A dependable typical captive lifespan is not established by the references used here. Plan for a long-term commitment.
- Growth and future planning
- Plan around an adult of about 9 inches, not the juvenile’s purchase size.
Before you buy
- Is this fish right for your tank?
- Confirm safe handling arrangements and an adult aquarium of at least 125 US gallons. Do not treat an algae problem as a complete feeding plan.
- Buying checklist
- Observe feeding, breathing and swimming before purchase. Check body condition, fins and eyes; arrange quarantine and confirm the seller’s identification.
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