From Aqua Guide, the free encyclopedia
Foxface Rabbitfish
Siganus vulpinus
- Temperature
- 24–27 °C
- Salinity
- 1.02 – 1.026 SG
- Min. tank size
- 400 L
- Lifespan
- 7-10 years
- Diet
- herbivore
- Care level
- moderate
| Scientific classification | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name: | Siganus vulpinus |
| Family: | Siganidae |
| Origin: | Western Pacific reefs |
| Care Characteristics | |
| Care Level: | moderate |
| Diet: | herbivore |
| Max Size: | 25.00 cm |
| Water Type: | marine |
| Temp Group: | tropical |
| Reef Safe: | Reef Safe with Caution |
| Temperament: | peaceful |
| Min Group: | Can be kept alone |
| Varieties: | No cultivated strains — this is a wild-caught fish, and the yellow body with the black-and-white facial mask is consistent. The specific name vulpinus means "fox-like", after the pointed snout. The genus Siganus contains several rabbitfish in the trade, and they are worth distinguishing by size. S. vulpinus, this fish, is the standard foxface. S. unimaculatus, the one-spot foxface, is nearly identical with a large black blotch on the flank and is often treated as the same species. S. magnificus, the magnificent foxface, is white with a black stripe. S. doliatus, the barred spinefoot, and S. guttatus grow larger. All are venomous, all graze algae and all need a large tank. Among other algae grazers, the tangs are the usual alternative — none of them venomous, most of them more aggressive. |
| Lifespan: | 7-10 years |
Quick Tips
- Bioload:Medium to high
- Min Tank:400 L
- Substrate:Live rock with algae; open swimming space
- Plant Safe:Yes
- Filtration:High (large fish; strong flow)
Foxface Rabbitfish (Siganus vulpinus) is a species of fish in the family Siganidae. It is native to Western Pacific reefs. The foxface is one of the best algae eaters in the marine hobby and one of the few fish in it that can put you in hospital. Its dorsal and anal fin spines carry venom glands, and research indicates rabbitfish venom resembles stonefish venom in composition. A sting is intensely painful. The fish is not aggressive — it raises the spines defensively — but netting one, or reaching past one, is a job to do carefully. It reaches 25 cm total length, is bright yellow with a striking black-and-white striped face, and grazes algae relentlessly. One quirk catches people out: at night, or when stressed, it changes to a duller mottled pattern.
Compatibility
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Keep in
- Can be kept alone
- Swims
- middle
- Fin nipper
- No
- Delicate fins
- No
- Reef
- Reef Safe with Caution
Species similar to Foxface Rabbitfish
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