Magnificent foxface (Siganus magnificus) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Andaman foxface
Family
Siganidae (rabbitfishes)
Origin
Endemic to the Andaman Sea (Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar; Surin and Similan Islands, Thailand); sheltered reefs with branching corals at 2–30 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
24 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
400 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
peaceful
Lifespan
10–12 years years

Care

Tank: an estimated minimum of about 400 litres (our estimate from its 24 cm adult size; usually under 20 cm), with branching structures for shelter and open water. 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 are often in pairs; juveniles are shy, solitary and hide in coral. It reaches maturity at about 2 years. Occasionally collected for the aquarium trade, so less often available than the common foxface. Safety: like other rabbitfishes it has venomous fin spines (not stated in the species article). Net carefully and get medical advice if stung. Conservation: IUCN Least Concern; much of its Thai range lies far offshore in protected areas. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siganusmagnificus). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Eats algae and small invertebrates in the wild. Offer marine algae daily plus herbivore flakes or pellets and some meaty frozen foods.

Breeding

Matures at about 2 years and has a drifting (pelagic) larval stage. Not known to be bred in home aquaria.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful with most community fish; keep singly or as a pair and avoid other foxfaces. The list gives no reef-safe rating; it may nibble some corals if not fed enough algae.

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

About Aquatic-Auctions

  • Aquatic-Auctions (aquatic-auctions.com) is a UK online marketplace for aquarium and pond livestock and equipment: tropical and marine fish, corals, shrimp, snails and other invertebrates, aquatic plants, tanks, filtration, lighting and food.
  • Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
  • Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers must offer PayPal and may also take cash on collection. Business sellers take PayPal (required) or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have a seller rating of 50 out of 100, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
  • Buyers are told to pay by PayPal Goods & Services, never PayPal Friends and Family, gift cards or crypto.
  • Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
  • Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
  • Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
  • Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
  • The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
  • Aquatic-Auctions is run by Etavonni Tech Limited trading as Aquatic-Auctions (company number 10204188), Aldershot, Hampshire, UK. Contact: info@aquatic-auctions.com.