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The Foxfaced Rabbitfish
by Mark Witmer

I commonly get asked the question "What is the hardiest Tang for the saltwater aquarium?" My answer is always, "The Foxfaced Rabbitfish." Rabbitfish, like Moorish Idols, are surprising very closely related to the Tang / Surgeonfish family. The Foxfaced Rabbitfish is one of the best inhabitants for a reef tank.

Rabbitfish are from the family Siganidae. There are either one or two genre, it hasn't been decided upon yet. There are around 13 species, with 4 being common in the aquarium trade. Many have been known to reproduce in captivity, although it is very uncommon in the home aquarium. They are an important food-fish in many countries.

These fish are poisonous, so exercise a lot of caution when working with them and around them. The anal and dorsal spines, which are erected when they are scared, have a toxin that is more painful than that found in any common Lionfish. However, it is not deadly. It is best to check with a doctor right away if you get stung though, as you could have an allergic reaction that needs medical treatment. Most people I know who have gotten stung just had complaints of burning and slight swelling.

The Foxface is sometimes called the Badgerfish, but that name usually refers to Siganus virgatus, so the name Foxface is usually used in the trade. Some local fish stores may simply call them Yellow Rabbitfish as well. This fish reaches 10 inches in the wild, but 7.5 inches is much more common to see in captivity. The minimum size tank is 55 gallons. They are active fish, although easily frightened. They come out of the Pacific Ocean, although not overly popular near Hawaii. They are a very bright yellow color, with a black spot near the rear of them, and white and black on their head for contrast. A very pretty fish, and when the spines are erected, they are quite a show. A medium-sized specimen normally runs 25$ retail in the Eastern US.

Fortunately, these fish are quite peaceful in the aquarium. They are seldom aggressive towards new additions, even if they are the same color and shape. However, due to their poisonous, turn off the lights for 48 hours after adding new fish to the tank. This is one of the best ways to control aggression towards new additions. Except in groups in larger aquariums, it is best to have only one Foxface per tank. The results of combining them with other Rabbitfish species, like the Spotted Rabbitfish, cannot be generalized upon as of yet. While they are peaceful, the fish can hold their own in a tank quite well.

These fish are easy to acclimate to captivity, and eat a wide variety of foods. They are also reef safe, although very small shrimps, like Pistol Shrimp, they are sometimes rumored to consume. They are exceptional grazers, with huge appetites. They eat green algae, and even hair algae many times, better than any other saltwater fish. They are less specific about the algae they eat than many Tangs are as well. They also will eat off the top of the aquarium, and krill is good to feed them. Brine Shrimp and Romaine lettuce (providing a lot of algae isn't present for them to eat) round out the perfect diet for them.

At night, and when scared, they take on a giraffe-pattern to their body. Dark blotches appear, and they are able to blend into the darkness very easily, with the exception of the front of their head, which has a bright white stripe coming from the top down to the mouth when looking at the fish "head-on."

The Foxfaced Rabbitfish is a hardy, pretty, common, and cheap fish that is a great addition to a saltwater aquarium. In addition, it is active, large yet peaceful, and exceptional at eating algae. The only drawback is their poisonous, and if care is taken, it isn't a problem.