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Foxface Rabbitfish

Siganus vulpinus

Family: Siganidae · Foxfaces & Rabbitfish

Also known as: Foxface Lo, Common Foxface, Fox-Face

Max Size

Min Tank

75 gal

Lifespan

5-10 years

Origin

Western Pacific, Philippines

Diet

Herbivore

Swims

All

About

The Foxface Rabbitfish is one of the most popular and recognizable marine aquarium fish, immediately identifiable by its striking yellow body and distinctive black, white, and yellow fox-like facial pattern. This species has a laterally compressed, disc-shaped body with a small, rabbit-like mouth adapted for grazing on algae. An important feature is its set of venomous dorsal and anal fin spines, which can deliver a painful sting to unwary aquarists during tank maintenance.

This species is an outstanding algae grazer and is widely valued for its ability to control nuisance algae in reef aquariums, including hair algae, bryopsis, and even some varieties of bubble algae. Its voracious herbivorous appetite makes it one of the most effective natural algae control options available. Despite its large adult size, the Foxface Rabbitfish is remarkably peaceful and rarely bothers tankmates of any kind.

When stressed or sleeping, the Foxface Rabbitfish adopts a dramatic mottled brown and white camouflage pattern that can alarm uninformed keepers. This is a normal behavior and the fish will return to full color once it feels secure. The species is hardy, disease-resistant, and readily accepts a wide variety of foods, making it an excellent choice for beginners with an appropriately sized aquarium.

Feeding & Diet

Herbivore

Foxface Rabbitfish are primarily herbivores that graze extensively on algae. In captivity, provide plenty of marine algae sheets (nori), spirulina-based foods, and algae-enriched pellets. They will also accept frozen mysis shrimp and other meaty foods as supplements. Feed two to three times daily with an emphasis on vegetable matter.

Compatibility

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The Foxface Rabbitfish is one of the most peaceful large marine fish available. It coexists well with virtually all tankmates including other herbivores, clownfish, tangs, wrasses, and gobies. It rarely shows aggression except to conspecifics. Best kept singly unless in a very large system. May occasionally nip at soft corals if not well fed.

Check Compatibility

Breeding

Not bred in captivity

Foxface Rabbitfish have not been successfully bred in home aquariums. They are pelagic spawners that form pairs or small groups for spawning events. The larvae undergo an extended pelagic phase that has proven extremely difficult to replicate in captivity.