Foxface Rabbitfish
From ReefPedia
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[edit] Foxface RabbitfishScientific Name Siganus Vulpinus Max. Size: 9" Tank Size: 75+ gallons Aggression: Not aggressive Hardiness: Low-Medium Reef-Safe: With caution- may nip Available as captive-bred: No CAUTION: VENOMOUS |
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Physical Description
The Foxface Rabbitfish is a quite unique looking species. It is mostly yellow, with black and white mask-like markings extending down its almost beak-shaped mouth.
Distribution
Coral Sea
Taxonomic Stuff you know you Care About
- Family: Siganidae
- Genus: Siganus
- Species: Vulpinus
Behavior
Foxfaces are extremely timid and easily spooked when first introduced into the aquarium. Expect your Foxface to spend most of its time hiding during the first few weeks. It will also exhibit darting behavior and, when threatened or stressed, take on a dark mottled look.
Feeding
Voracious algae eaters, S. Vulpinus are some of the few known eaters of the hair algae Bryopsis. They will also eradicate most other algaes in the tank, wanted or unwanted, including cyanobacteria, diatoms, hair algae, and caulerpa spp.
Foxfaces will also accept most prepared foods, such as frozen formulas or mysis shrimp and even flake food, once adjusted to captivity.
They should be fed dried seaweed or nori often to satisfy their nutritional requirements.
Foxface Rabbitfish have been known to nip at corals- especially green corals such as palythoa. They don't often develop a taste for the corals- rather, they seem to be testing them for flavor.
Breeding
This species has not been successfully bred in captivity.
Social Structure
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Current Views
Additional Notes
VENOMOUS
The Foxface has venom in its dorsal and anal fins, and will use them as a weapon. This can inflict a nasty, painful sting to the aquarist who isn't paying close attention when working inside the tank. It will hurt for days.
When your hands are inside the tank, always have one eye on your Foxface - especially as they become adjusted to captivity and become more brazen and curious.
