Foxface Rabbitfish (Siganus vulpinus) Care Guide

A distinctive marine fish with a fox-like face pattern featuring a black-and-white head mask over a bright yellow body.

Overview

Siganus vulpinus is a species in the family Siganidae. A distinctive marine fish with a fox-like face pattern featuring a black-and-white head mask over a bright yellow body. An excellent algae grazer that helps control nuisance algae growth in reef and FOWLR systems. Possesses highly venomous dorsal spines that deliver an extremely painful sting — handle with extreme care. Changes to a mottled dark pattern when stressed or sleeping.

Taxonomy

Family: Siganidae
Genus: Siganus
Scientific name: Siganus vulpinus
Other names: Foxface Lo, Fox Face
Origin: Western Pacific

Habitat

Native to the western Pacific from the Ryukyu Islands south to Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea and the Great Barrier Reef, and east to Kiribati. Inhabits coral-rich lagoons and outer reef slopes at depths of 1-30 m, grazing predominantly on filamentous and macroalgae. Dorsal and anal-fin spines carry mild venom.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 300 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.1-8.4
GH: 8-12 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 18-25 cm
Lifespan: 5-10 years
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as herbivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2-3x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Swimming level: middle
Compatible tank mates: Tangs, Clownfish, Wrasses, Angelfish
Avoid with: Other Rabbitfish, Very Aggressive Fish

Reef compatibility

Generally classified as reef-safe: does not feed on stony or soft corals, tridacnid clams or ornamental shrimps under normal conditions.

Breeding

Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
Breeding difficulty: advanced