One Spot Foxface

Also known as One Spot Rabbitfish, Blotched Foxface, Spotted Foxface

The One Spot Foxface is a distinctive and attractive species featuring mottled brown and cream coloration with a prominent large black spot on the body (typically below the dorsal fin). This hardy, peaceful herbivore combines excellent algae-eating abilities with unique patterning. More subtly colored than the bright yellow foxface species, the One Spot offers beautiful camouflage-like patterns and the same outstanding algae control. Like all foxface, it possesses venomous spines requiring careful handling.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Siganus unimaculatus
• Common Names: One Spot Foxface, Blotched Foxface, One Spot Rabbitfish
• Adult Size: Up to 8-9 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: 70 gallons preferred
• Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate; hardy and easy to care for

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Tank Environment: Provide ample swimming space with substantial live rock formations for grazing and shelter. Include caves and overhangs for security and nighttime resting. 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 herbivore.

Diet & Feeding

One Spot Foxface are primarily herbivores with hearty 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, spinach)
• Occasional: Small amounts of meaty foods (mysis shrimp, brine shrimp)

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

Special Note: Excellent algae eater; will consume hair algae, bubble algae, and various nuisance algae. Constant access to algae or frequent feedings essential to prevent coral nipping. One of the best natural algae control options available.

Social Structure & Compatibility

• Tankmates: Peaceful toward most fish; excellent community species
• Bold Personality: Initially shy but 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 adequately fed

Notes & Considerations

• Unique appearance: mottled brown and cream camouflage-like pattern.
• Prominent large black spot on body (usually below dorsal fin area).
• Spot gives species its distinctive common name.
• Pattern provides excellent camouflage against natural reef backgrounds.
• More subtly colored than bright yellow foxface species; different aesthetic appeal.
• Some aquarists prefer this natural camouflage pattern over bright yellow.
• Outstanding algae controller: Equal to other foxface species in algae-eating ability.
• Will eagerly consume hair algae, bubble algae, turf algae, and other nuisance species.
• Constantly grazes on live rock surfaces throughout the day.
• Single specimen effective for algae control 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; may require medical attention in severe cases.
• 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 readily available.
• Spines are purely defensive; not aggressive.
• Initially may be shy and hide after introduction.
• Quickly becomes bold and confident once acclimated.
• 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 is recommended 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 food is provided.
• One of the most reef-safe herbivores available.
• Patterns may darken or lighten depending on mood and environment.
• Displays even more mottled camouflage patterns at night while sleeping.
• Nighttime color change is completely normal.
• May display stress coloration (darker mottling) 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.
• Slightly less common than standard yellow foxface but readily available.
• Excellent beginner fish for those seeking effective algae control with a unique appearance.
• Great alternative to standard foxface for natural aquascapes.

Why Choose a Quarantined One Spot 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 One Spot Foxface are naturally hardy, proper quarantine eliminates parasites and stress, ensuring the smoothest possible transition to your display tank. This provides the strongest foundation for long-term success with this unique and highly effective species. Always exercise extreme caution around venomous spines.