Foxface Rabbitfish General description

The foxface rabbitfish is an extremely popular species of saltwater fish belonging to the rabbitfish family. They are characterized by their bright-yellow colored bodies and black, brown and white striped heads. When stressed or feeling preyed upon, the foxface has the ability to change to a mottled brown color. The foxface’s anal, dorsal and pectoral fins are lined with venomous spikes and this fish should always be handled with care.

The foxface rabbitfish is an extremely popular species of saltwater fish belonging to the rabbitfish family.

Origins

The foxface rabbitfish inhabits the coral reefs of the Western Pacific Ocean.

Color

The head and frontal body area of the foxface rabbitfish is comprised of black, brown and white bands. The rest of its body is a vibrant yellow color. There are some species of foxface with darker body colorations.

Maintenance and care

Foxface rabbitfish are an extremely timid species of fish and prefer aquariums with large swimming space and plenty of hiding places. Their peaceful temperament also makes them an excellent addition to most community tanks. Even more aggressive species of fish often leave the foxface alone because of its poisonous spines.

Foxface rabbitfish can be kept in large groups as juveniles. However, as the fish reaches maturity they should either be kept alone or in mated pairs as they can turn territorial towards members of their own species. It is believed that these fish form mating pairs that last until one of the fish perishes.

Foxface are often kept in reef tanks, although they do occasionally nip on live coral. They are however an herbivorous species and do not prey upon smaller fish and other invertebrates.

Feeding

Foxface rabbitfish are herbivores and should be fed on a varied diet of flakes, pellets and fresh vegetables. They also thrive in aquariums with sufficient algae growth which they can graze on.

Foxface rabbitfish are an extremely timid species of fish and prefer aquariums with large swimming space and plenty of hiding places.

Breeding

There are no reports of successful breeding attempts of foxface rabbitfishes in the home aquarium. Most fish available for purchase are either wild caught or farm raised specimens.

Aquarium varieties

Bicolor Foxface, One Spot Foxface, Magnificent Foxface, Tongan Black Foxface, etc.

Photo credit: BS Thurner Hof/Wikimedia