Magnificent Foxface

The magnificent foxface is the Andaman Sea relative of the foxface (Siganus vulpinus) featured on the site. Its white face is crossed by a black band running from the snout over the eye; the upper half of the body is dark brown-black and the lower half white, with a white arc curving from the chest to the front of the dorsal fin. The dorsal fin is reddish, and the other fins have yellow tones. When frightened or at night, its color becomes pale and mottled. Caution: Like all rabbitfish, its fin spines are venomous; a puncture causes severe, long-lasting pain. Specimens are wild-collected.

• At least 500 liters and 150 cm in length; plenty of swimming space and shelter.
• Salinity specific gravity 1.023–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 24–27°C.
• Watch out for its spines during maintenance; move it with a container, not a net.
• Reef-safe with caution: It cleans up algae, but some individuals may nip LPS and soft corals and zoanthids.

Herbivorous; in the wild it feeds on algae and small invertebrates. Dried seaweed and foods containing spirulina every day; frozen mysis can be given as a supplement.

Peaceful and somewhat timid; it gets along with most reef fish. It may fight with another foxface, especially in a small aquarium.

Good companions: Tangs, dwarf and large angelfish, wrasses, anthias, clownfish.

Avoid: A second foxface (except in a very large aquarium), a valuable LPS collection, very aggressive triggerfish.