Foxface rabbitfish is a very hardy fish with a very unique body color, and is great additions to the newly-established tank...
Foxface rabbitfish, also called as foxface, black-face rabbitfish, common foxface and its scientific name Siganus vulpinus, is a very hardy fish with a very unique body color, and is great additions to the newly-established tank.
FOXFACE RABBITFISH - SIGANUS VULPINUS DESCRIPTION
Foxface rabbitfish is widely distributed in the West Pacific Ocean from Indonesia to the Marshall and Gilbert islands, south to New Caledonia and north to Taiwan. It is found incoral-rich areas of lagoon and seaward reefs, often among staghorn corals to depths of about 30 meters.
Siganus vulpinus is usually less than 25 cm, but in nature it may reach to 30 cm in length. It is instantly recognizable due to its distinctive colouration and elongated snout. It has a very bright lemon yellow colour on the dorsal, ventral, caudal and anal fins; the caudal peduncle and the whole body, strongly compressed, flattened and tall, are of white colour. Black dots are present and they colour the dorsal part of the snout, from the head to the tip; also the throat and the cheeks are black coloured, and there is present a round dots of the same colour in the supero-posterior part of the back. The eyes are big and dark. It will change colour to a dark brown at night or when stressed, so allow time for it to settle into its new home on arrival before you will see it fully coloured.
It usually occurs singly or in pairs, but juveniles and subadults occasionally occur in large schools among Acropora where they feed on algae growing on the dead bases of the coral branches. It has a calm character, that he tends to continuously explore the reefs and the relevant coral ravines, looking for food particles. The social relations with the other members of the group where it is gregarious, become tense when is coupled for reproducing, otherwise, in other circumstances, it is fairly sociable.
In case of attack by a predator, like a moray eel, it pretends to be dead, loses all the colours becoming grey with some blackish dot, then lies on the bottom and breathes very slowly; doing so, the predator ceases the attack and after a few minutes all goes back to the normality.
FOXFACE RABBITFISH - SIGANUS VULPINUS CARE
Foxface rabbitfish revels in swimming and requires an aquarium with ample space of minimum 125 gallons with water temperature of 24 - 26 °C, pH level of 8.0 - 8.4 and specific gravity of 1.020 - 1.024. It is generally reef-safe if they are well fed. If not, it is possible for them to nip at and consume some species of LPS and soft corals.
The tank itself should offer plenty of dark hiding places amongst rockwork, and employ decent filtration and circulation. If adding this species to a reef aquarium, be aware that occasional specimens do have a taste for coral polyps, particularly those that are hungry, so be sure to observe carefully and ensure the fish is receiving enough food.
It is a very peaceful species and can be housed with more aggressive fish, as its venomous spines afford it natural protection, but avoid other rabbitfish as tank mates. This species is highly venomous and this venom can, under certain circumstances, be fatal. In case of poisoning, it is vital to have as much information as possible regarding the species/poison. Since people can have different reactions to poisons, take precautions necessary to ensure your safety and that of your surroundings.
This species are onmivorous feeding on marine algae such as Caulerpa, dried seaweed (Nori sheets) and frozen and live foods such as mysis shrimp. If there are insufficient algae on the rocks, it is important to feed more frequently and supplement with algae rich food. Part of its attraction for hobbyists is its love of algae - its will also help keep your tank clean! It does nip and possibly eat some soft and hard coral polyps.
FOXFACE RABBITFISH - SIGANUS VULPINUS SPAWNING
Foxface rabbitfish does not reproduce in aquarium, and there are little data about its reproduction in nature. By the time the fish have reached 10 cm in length, they form pairs. These pairs are believed to be maintained for life.
They spawn in groups during the warmer months, when fast running tidal currents coincide with dawn and dusk. They are mature at about 2 years of age, and the spawning takes place at a regular lunar phase. They are likely to be long-lived fishes. Juveniles look similar to the adults, but are always uncommon.
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