Magnificent Rabbitfish (Siganus magnificus) Care Guide

One of the most visually striking rabbitfish, featuring a dramatic black, white, and yellow pattern. The head is black with a white chest and yellow posterior half.

Overview

Siganus magnificus is a species in the family Siganidae. One of the most visually striking rabbitfish, featuring a dramatic black, white, and yellow pattern. The head is black with a white chest and yellow posterior half. More rare and expensive than the common Foxface but equally useful as an algae grazer. Like all rabbitfish, equipped with venomous dorsal spines requiring careful handling.

Taxonomy

Family: Siganidae
Genus: Siganus
Scientific name: Siganus magnificus
Other names: Magnificent Foxface
Origin: Indian Ocean, Andaman Sea

Habitat

Distributed across the western Pacific from the Andaman Sea east to Indonesia and the Philippines and south to north-western Australia. Inhabits coral-rich lagoons and seaward reefs at depths of 1-30 m, grazing 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: 18-23 cm
Lifespan: 5-10 years
Difficulty: intermediate

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