Foxface (Siganus vulpinus) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Foxface rabbitfish, Common foxface, Black-face rabbitfish, Badger fish
Family
Siganidae (rabbitfishes)
Origin
Eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific: Indonesia to the Marshall and Gilbert Islands, Taiwan to New Caledonia and Australia; coral-rich lagoons and seaward reefs to 30 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
23 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
400 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
peaceful

Care

Tank: an estimated minimum of about 400 litres (our estimate from its 23 cm adult size), with open swimming space and rockwork or branching structures for cover. Water: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, salinity SG 1.023–1.026. These are general marine aquarium figures for a tropical species, not species-specific values from the sources. Keep nitrate low and oxygen high. Behaviour: adults live alone or in pairs and can be territorial, often near branching Acropora corals; juveniles may school. When alarmed it quickly turns a mottled dark brown for camouflage, which is normal and passes once it settles. Commonly seen in the aquarium trade (article length 25 cm, usually about 20 cm). Safety: the fin spines carry venom glands. A sting is painful but rarely dangerous. Net carefully, never hold the fish by hand, and get medical advice if stung. Conservation: assessed by the IUCN (2016); the category is not given in the article. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siganusvulpinus). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Omnivorous in the wild, mainly algae plus zooplankton. Offer marine algae (nori, macroalgae) daily alongside herbivore flakes or pellets and some frozen mysis or brine shrimp.

Compatibility and tank mates

Generally peaceful with other community fish, though best kept singly or as a pair, as rival foxfaces and rabbitfish may fight. The list gives no reef-safe rating: it is widely kept with corals for algae control, but may nibble some soft corals or fleshy LPS if underfed.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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