Foxface Rabbitfish

Vibrant, Hardy & A Powerful Algae Grazer

The Foxface Rabbitfish (Siganus vulpinus) is a standout addition to medium and large marine aquariums, prized for its bright yellow coloration, bold black facial mask, and unmatched algae-eating abilities. This peaceful, hardy herbivore is a favourite among hobbyists who want a fish that is both beautiful and beneficial to the overall health of their tank. If you’re looking for a reliable grazer that brings movement, colour, and personality, the Foxface Rabbitfish is one of the best choices available.

🌿 Why You’ll Love the Foxface Rabbitfish

• 🟡 Brilliant Colouration – A striking yellow body with a dramatic black “fox-like” mask.

• 🌱 Exceptional Algae Control – Constant grazer that helps keep nuisance algae in check.

• 🤝 Peaceful & Community-Friendly – Gets along well with most non-aggressive tankmates.

• 🪸 Reef-Safe With Caution – Rarely nips when well-fed, but may taste soft corals if hungry.

• 🏝️ Hardy & Adaptable – Excellent for both experienced hobbyists and beginners.

• 🌀 Fascinating Behaviour – Changes colour when stressed or resting; very animated swimmer.

• ⚠️ Venomous Dorsal Spines – Mildly venomous spines for defence; handle with care.

🌊 Care & Requirements

Tank Size

A minimum of 300–400 litres is recommended. The Foxface grows to 20–24 cm, so it needs ample open swimming space and structured rockwork for shelter.

Diet

The Foxface Rabbitfish is primarily herbivorous and benefits from a high-algae diet, including:

• Nori sheets

• Spirulina flakes & pellets

• Marine herbivore pellets

• Gracilaria, Ulva & other macroalgae

• Occasional vegetable-based frozen foods

A well-fed Foxface is far less likely to nip corals, making a robust diet essential for reef systems.

Temperament

Generally peaceful and suitable for community setups. Avoid keeping more than one unless in a very large system, as rabbitfish can become territorial toward their own kind.

Lighting & Flow

Thrives in a range of lighting and moderate flow conditions common to most reef tanks.

🏝 Reef Compatibility

The Foxface Rabbitfish is considered reef-safe with caution. Many individuals are perfect citizens, especially when well-fed, but others may occasionally nip at:

• Soft corals

• LPS with fleshy polyps

• Zoanthids

Consistent feeding and algae availability dramatically reduce this risk.

🐟 Behaviour & Personality

The Foxface is both active and cautious, often grazing throughout the day and retreating into rockwork when startled. One of their most fascinating traits is their ability to quickly shift to a mottled “camouflage” pattern when stressed or sleeping. This natural adaptive behaviour is completely normal and adds to their unique charm.

Their dorsal fin contains mild venom, which they use defensively. While not dangerous to humans, it can be painful, so always use caution during tank maintenance.

🌡 Water Parameters

These stable, reef-friendly conditions will keep your Foxface thriving:

• Temperature: 24–27°C

• Salinity: 1.023–1.026

• pH: 8.0–8.4

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0

• Nitrate: <15 ppm for reef tanks

✨ Aquascaping Inspiration

Foxface Rabbitfish look spectacular in:

• Colourful mixed reefs

• SPS-dominant tanks needing algae management

• Large LPS gardens

• FOWLR systems where their colour pops even more

Their graceful swimming and vivid yellow body add motion and brightness to any layout.

📌 Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Siganus vulpinus

• Common Name: Foxface Rabbitfish

• Care Level: Easy–Moderate

• Temperament: Peaceful

• Diet: Herbivore

• Reef Safe: With caution

• Minimum Tank Size: 300–400L

• Adult Size: 20–24 cm

• Special Notes: Venomous dorsal spines

The Foxface Rabbitfish is an ideal choice for hobbyists seeking beauty, algae control, and a hardy, peaceful fish that enhances the entire system. With proper care and feeding, it becomes one of the most rewarding and functional additions to a marine aquarium.