Foxface Rabbitfish Care & Info | Superstar Algae Eater

It’s colorful, a champion algae eater, and an excellent neighbor to its tankmates. Oh, and it sports venomous spikes. How cool can a fish be?! We’re talking about the foxface rabbitfish, of course.

Want one? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about foxface rabbitfish and how to care for one in your home aquarium.

Foxface rabbitfish description

Naturally found in the western Pacific, the foxface rabbitfish is quite a sight to see. They grow to a maximum size of around 9” and feature yellow body coloration with a black and white head.

Foxface rabbitfish mouths are elongated to make them perfect algae nipping machines and they sport pointy, venomous dorsal spines.

Did you know? The foxface rabbitfish is very similar to the one spot foxfish (Siganus unimaculatus). The difference is that the one spot foxface, as its name suggests, has a black spot on its side. Their care requirements are pretty much identical and in fact, it has been suggested they’re just color variants of the same species.

Foxface rabbitfish aquarium

As mentioned above, a foxface rabbitfish can grow to up to 9” in length. They’re not small fish, and they’re very active too, so it’s a good idea to provide plenty of space. An aquarium of 125 gallons or up works well for this species.

The foxface rabbitfish tends to spend a lot of time swimming out in the open, so make sure yours has enough room to move around. As always, though, you should also provide some hiding places for the fish to retreat to if startled.

Did you know? If you turn the lights on in the morning and find your foxface rabbitfish suddenly sporting a mottled brownish pattern, don’t panic. It’s normal for some aquarium fish to lose their bright colors during the night or when they’re stressed. If your fish is okay, its yellow coloration will return soon!

Foxface rabbitfish compatibility

This is a relatively peaceful species that can thrive in an aquarium with larger tankmates because of its protective spines. This makes it a great choice for community aquariums. Shy fish might be emboldened by seeing the confident rabbitfish swimming out in the open.

Keep in mind that the foxface rabbitfish doesn’t really tolerate the presence of other rabbitfish, unless you’ve got a bonded pair. Keep your rabbitfish solo to prevent territorial squabbles!

There is a bit of discussion about whether the foxface rabbitfish can be considered reef safe or not. Some aquarists swear that even the most emaciated foxfaces have always left their corals alone, while others report this species nipping on corals like soft Zoanthids if it gets hungry.

Foxface rabbitfish diet

The reason so many aquarists adore this species is not just limited to its bold colors. It’s also an absolute champion algae eater that can clear an aquarium in just a few days! Now, of course you shouldn’t buy a fish just so it can do tank maintenance for you. That’s your job! That being said, of course this species’ appetite for algae definitely makes it extra attractive.

Keep in mind that the foxface rabbitfish won’t just feed on problem algae, but also pick off good algae. In its search for the green stuff, it might nip at corals, not necessarily intending to eat them but still stressing them out in the process.

Because our home aquarium systems don’t contain enough plant and algae matter to sustain a foxface rabbitfish, you’ll have to supplement their diet with commercial foods meant for herbivorous fish.

Your foxface will appreciate regular feedings of fresh blanched veggies, algae tablets, nori sheets and plant-based pellet or flake foods.

Conclusion

A marine aquarium with beautiful, colorful fish like the foxface rabbitfish brightens any home or office. If you’re interested in having a fish tank of your own, you can contact us here. We design, build and maintain aquariums for many happy clients!