Moderate

Foxface Rabbitfish

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Siganus vulpinus

Complete Foxface Rabbitfish care guide covering herbivore diet requirements, peaceful temperament, minimum 70 Gallons tank setup, and compatible saltwater tankmates. Difficulty: Moderate.

Foxface Rabbitfish

Quick Answer

Foxface Rabbitfish (Siganus vulpinus) is a peaceful, beautiful fish with a pointed snout and striking coloration. It requires a minimum 70 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 8.1 - 8.4 and temperature range of 24-26°C. This herbivore occupies the middle zone and makes an excellent addition to community setups.

Intro

Foxface Rabbitfish (Siganus vulpinus) is a peaceful, beautiful fish with a pointed snout and striking coloration. Its dorsal spines contain venom, so handle carefully.

Setup

A 70-gallon or larger reef tank with live rock and plenty of swimming space. Strong filtration and good water flow.

Feeding

Herbivorous; eats algae, nori, spirulina flakes, and vegetable-based pellets. Also accepts mysis and brine shrimp occasionally.

Compatibility

Peaceful. Keep singly or as a pair. Good with most reef-safe fish. Avoid aggressive tankmates that may bully it. Reef-safe with caution (may nip some soft corals).

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Tank Position
Middle
Water Temp
24-26°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
8.1 - 8.4

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Herbivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Continue Learning

Recommended Tools

Fish Compatibility Calculator fish compatibility

Health & Disease

Ich (White Spot Disease) common disease • all fish

Related Guides

Understanding pH in Aquariums water parameters • ph

Similar Species

Coral Beauty Angelfish Care Guide: Tank Size & Compatibility semanticSimilarity Diamond Goby Care Guide: Tank Size & Diet semanticSimilarity Flame Angelfish Care Guide: Reef Compatibility semanticSimilarity

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Foxface Rabbitfish should be kept together?
Keep one per tank, or a single male-female mated pair in a tank of at least 125 gallons (473 liters) with a footprint of 72x18 inches (180x45 cm). Foxface rabbitfish (Siganus vulpinus) are peaceful toward other species but become aggressive toward conspecifics, fighting over territory. Two individuals in under 100 gallons fight to severe injury. A single adult requires a minimum of 70 gallons (265 liters) with ample live rock (1.5 lbs/gallon). Provide at least 4 large caves and open swimming areas. Avoid with other rabbitfish or tangs of similar shape.
What are the exact marine water parameters for Foxface Rabbitfish?
Target pH 8.1 - 8.4, specific gravity 1.023 - 1.025 (35-35.5 ppt), General Hardness 7 - 12 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 8 - 12 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 32,000 - 35,000 ppm, and temperature 75°F - 82°F (24°C - 28°C). Note that their dorsal spines are venomous; handle with caution during maintenance. Maintain nitrates below 10 ppm with weekly 20% water changes. Use a protein skimmer and strong water flow (15x turnover). Provide open swimming areas and rockwork for hiding. Calcium 400-450 ppm. Sudden salinity fluctuations cause stress.
What is the dietary and medication protocol for Foxface Rabbitfish?
They are strict herbivores requiring 80% marine algae, 15% vegetable matter, 5% protein. Feed dried nori sheets pinned to clips daily (1 sheet per fish), spirulina pellets, herbivore flakes, and blanched vegetables (broccoli, zucchini, romaine lettuce). Supplement with occasional mysis shrimp (once weekly). Medication alert: Tolerate copper (0.15 mg/L Cupramine) but sensitive to hyposalinity. Praziquantel is safe. Avoid formalin. Quarantine with chloroquine phosphate (15 mg/L) for 21 days. They are prone to ich; treat with copper in a separate QT.
How to breed Foxface Rabbitfish in captivity?
Breeding is extremely rare and requires large systems (300+ gallons) with hormonal induction. Commercial breeders use HCG injections. To attempt, condition a group of 4-5 adults with high-vegetable diet (nori, spirulina) for 6 weeks. Simulate monsoon: Lower temperature to 72°F (22°C), perform 40% water change with cool RO water, increase flow. They are pelagic spawners; females release 10,000-30,000 eggs at dusk. Eggs hatch in 24 hours; larvae require rotifers and phytoplankton for 60-80 days. Metamorphosis occurs at 1.5 inches. Not feasible for home aquariums.

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