
Siganus unimaculatus
Family: Siganidae ยท Foxfaces & Rabbitfish
Also known as: Onespot Foxface, Blotched Foxface, One-Spot Rabbitfish
The One Spot Foxface is a strikingly beautiful rabbitfish easily identified by its bright yellow body adorned with a single large black spot on its upper flank and the characteristic foxface black, white, and yellow facial pattern. This species is very closely related to the common Foxface Rabbitfish and shares many of the same desirable traits, including excellent algae-grazing ability, peaceful temperament, and overall hardiness. The prominent dark blotch on its side is the key visual feature that distinguishes it from the common Foxface.
Like all rabbitfish, the One Spot Foxface possesses venomous dorsal and anal fin spines that can deliver a painful sting comparable to a bee sting. While not dangerous to healthy adults, care should be taken during tank maintenance to avoid accidental contact. When stressed, sleeping, or recently introduced to a new tank, this species displays a dramatic mottled brown camouflage pattern that may alarm new hobbyists but is entirely normal behavior.
The One Spot Foxface is one of the best natural algae control options available for marine aquariums. It will voraciously consume hair algae, bryopsis, film algae, and even some varieties of bubble algae that few other herbivores will touch. This makes it an invaluable addition to reef tanks plagued by nuisance algae. The species is beginner-friendly, hardy, disease-resistant, and readily accepts a wide variety of prepared and frozen foods, though a diet rich in marine algae and vegetable matter should be prioritized for optimal health and coloration.
The One Spot Foxface is primarily an herbivore that grazes extensively on various algae species. In captivity, provide plenty of dried marine algae sheets (nori), spirulina-based pellets and flakes, and algae-enriched frozen foods. They will also accept frozen mysis shrimp and brine shrimp as supplementary foods. Feed two to three times daily with an emphasis on vegetable-based foods. Their algae-grazing habits provide excellent natural control of nuisance algae.
The One Spot Foxface is an exceptionally peaceful fish that coexists well with virtually all common reef tankmates. It rarely shows aggression except toward conspecifics or very similar-looking rabbitfish species. Compatible with clownfish, tangs, wrasses, gobies, blennies, and most community reef fish. Its venomous spines provide excellent self-defense, so even semi-aggressive tankmates tend to leave it alone after an initial encounter.
Check CompatibilityThe One Spot Foxface has not been successfully bred in home aquariums. Like other rabbitfish, they are pelagic spawners that form pairs during breeding events. The larvae undergo an extended planktonic phase that has proven extremely difficult to replicate in captivity. All specimens in the trade are wild-caught.