Foxface Rabbitfish: A Bold, Reef-Safe Algae Eater
Few fish balance beauty and utility like the Foxface Rabbitfish (Siganus vulpinus). With its bright yellow body, black mask, and constant motion, it’s one of the most eye-catching fish in the hobby — and one of the best natural algae controllers you can add to a reef tank.
A Natural Algae Grazer
Found throughout the Western Pacific, Foxfaces spend their days grazing on algae-covered reefs. In aquariums, that same instinct makes them incredibly helpful for keeping rockwork clean. They’re hardy, adaptable, and quickly settle once they feel secure.
Care and Tank Setup
A 75–100 gallon tank gives them plenty of room to swim and graze. Provide live rock for shelter and algae growth, moderate to strong flow, and stable reef parameters:
Temp: 72–78°F | Salinity: 1.023–1.026 | pH: 8.1–8.4
Foxfaces are shy at first and may change color to a mottled brown pattern when stressed or resting — a natural camouflage behavior.
Diet and Feeding
The Foxface is an herbivore with an appetite. Feed a mix of:
Dried nori or seaweed sheets
Spirulina-based pellets or flakes
Blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini
Offer food 2–3 times daily to keep them healthy and prevent coral nipping.
Behavior and Compatibility
Foxfaces are peaceful and get along well with tangs, wrasses, gobies, and most reef-safe fish. Avoid keeping more than one per tank unless it’s a large system. Their dorsal spines are venomous, so handle carefully during maintenance.
Why Every Reef Should Have One
The Foxface Rabbitfish is a perfect mix of function and personality — beautiful to watch and great at keeping algae under control. Once comfortable, it becomes a bold, active swimmer that adds life and color to any reef.
