Foxface

Also known as Foxface Rabbitfish, Foxface Lo, Common Foxface

The Foxface is one of the most popular and iconic marine fish species, featuring bright yellow coloration with a distinctive black and white striped face pattern resembling a fox. This hardy, peaceful herbivore is renowned as one of the best algae controllers available for reef aquariums. Bold, personable, and highly effective at consuming nuisance algae, this species is a staple in the marine aquarium hobby. Like all foxface species, it possesses venomous spines requiring careful handling.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Siganus vulpinus
• Common Names: Foxface, Foxface Rabbitfish, Foxface Lo
• Adult Size: Up to 9-10 inches
• Lifespan: 8-12 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful; becomes bold and personable
• Reef Compatibility: Reef safe with caution; generally leaves corals alone when well-fed
• Minimum Tank Size: 125+ gallons preferred
• Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate; hardy and easy to care for

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Tank Environment: Provide ample open swimming space with substantial live rock formations for grazing and shelter. Include caves and overhangs for security. Strong water flow and good water quality. Established systems with natural algae growth ideals. Complex aquascaping provides grazing surfaces.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Adaptable to typical reef conditions

Equipment Recommendations:

• Standard filtration system
• Protein skimmer
• Moderate to strong water circulation
• Natural algae growth encouraged

These maintain healthy conditions for this hardy species.

Diet & Feeding

Foxface are primarily herbivores with voracious appetites.

Recommended foods include:

• Primary: Marine algae sheets (nori), dried seaweed
• Fresh Foods: Fresh marine macroalgae (Gracilaria, Caulerpa, sea lettuce)
• Staples: Spirulina flakes, herbivore pellets, algae wafers
• Supplemental: Veggie-based frozen foods, blanched vegetables (broccoli, zucchini)
• Occasional: Small amounts of meaty foods (mysis shrimp, brine shrimp)

Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times daily; constant grazing species

Special Note: One of the absolute best algae eaters available. Will consume hair algae, bubble algae, and various nuisance algae with enthusiasm. Constant access to food essential to prevent coral nipping.

Social Structure & Compatibility

• Tankmates: Peaceful toward most fish; excellent community species
• Bold Personality: Initially shy but quickly becomes confident and interactive
• Territorial: May be aggressive toward other foxface or rabbitfish species
• Solitary: Best kept as single foxface unless tank is very large
• Reef Behavior: Generally reef safe; rarely nips at corals when properly fed

Notes & Considerations

• One of the most popular and recognizable marine fish species.
• Bright yellow body with distinctive black and white striped face pattern.
• The face pattern resembles a fox, giving the species its common name.
• Outstanding algae controller: One of the best natural solutions for nuisance algae.
• Will eagerly consume hair algae, bubble algae, turf algae, and other problem species.
• Constantly grazes on live rock surfaces throughout the day.
• A single specimen can control algae in tanks up to 125+ gallons.
• VENOMOUS SPINES: Dorsal spines contain potent venom.
• Spine stings are extremely painful; can cause severe localized pain, swelling, and discomfort.
• Pain can last several hours; medical attention may be needed in severe reactions.
• Always exercise extreme caution when working in a tank.
• Never handle with bare hands; use nets or containers carefully.
• Hot water immersion (as hot as safely tolerable) helps break down venom and relieve pain.
• Keep first aid supplies and pain relief available.
• Spines are purely defensive; fish are not aggressive.
• Initially may be shy and hide frequently after introduction.
• Quickly becomes bold and confident; often centerpiece fish.
• Develops a strong personality and recognizes the owner.
• Often begs for food at glass during feeding times.
• Generally very peaceful toward other fish species.
• May become aggressive toward other foxface or rabbitfish; territorial behavior.
• Only one foxface per tank unless the system is exceptionally large (180+ gallons).
• Active swimmer; constantly patrols tank while grazing.
• May nip at soft corals or LPS if severely underfed (very rare with proper feeding).
• Generally leaves all corals alone when adequate algae or food is provided.
• One of the most reef-safe herbivores available.
• Displays dramatic color change at night: develops dark mottled camouflage pattern.
• Nighttime color change is completely normal; reverts to bright yellow in morning.
• May also display stress coloration (mottled pattern) when frightened; recovers quickly.
• Often sleeps wedged into rockwork or caves.
• Very hardy; one of the most disease-resistant marine fish.
• Adapts extremely well to aquarium life.
• Readily accepts all prepared foods.
• Can grow quickly with proper feeding.
• Long-lived with proper care.
• Native to Western Pacific coral reef regions.
• Most specimens wild-caught; acclimate easily.
• Excellent beginner fish for those seeking effective algae control.
• One of the best value fish in the hobby: hardy, functional, beautiful.

Why Choose a Quarantined Foxface?

Purchasing a quarantined specimen from us means you’re starting with a healthier, fully acclimated fish. All fish are observed, treated as needed, and trained to accept varied prepared algae-based foods before sale. While foxface are naturally hardy, proper quarantine eliminates parasites and stress-related issues, ensuring the smoothest possible introduction to your display tank. This provides the strongest foundation for long-term success with this popular and highly effective species. Always exercise extreme caution around venomous spines.