Foxface Rabbitfish
They are normally peaceful fish which can be kept either in a tank of passive fish, or even introduced into a somewhat aggressive tank as well.
They are rarely aggressive to others in their own right, but will defend themselves vigorously when attacked. This happens most often when a surgeon fish (Tang) and a Rabbitfish are placed into the same aquarium.
There are usually confrontations for a few weeks between the two close cousins, but over time a mutual truce is usually called and peace returns to the aquarium with no real damage to either.
For a better idea of the types of fish these can be kept with, there is one kept along with a wide variety of others in the Marine Display Aquarium in the Centre d'Animaux NATURE Pet - Pointe-Claire
They have been known to school when juveniles in the wild, but this is not usually practical in the home marine aquarium where only one, or possibly a pair, is best kept in the system.
The most commonly available rabbitfish are the two shown in the video above, these are the One Spot Foxface and the Red Fin Foxface. Both are good additions to a relatively large aquarium where they are able to swim freely.
The One Spot foxface - Siganus unimaculatus is the most common of the rabbit fish found for sale. It either has a very close relative known as the Lo Foxface Siganus vulpinus, or the two fish are the same and are simply colour variations of the same species.
The Lo does not have the distinctive black spot on the back like the One Spot offers, but otherwise the fish are extremely similar. It often appears that the literature shows photos of the same fish for both scientific names.
In shape, foxfaces are very thin fish, oval in shape. This allows them to swim through very small crevices in the coral and other areas when there is need to find safety in the reef.
They are generally strong swimmers and active in the aquarium when they have enough room to swim and are not being bothered by more aggressive fish. Often they will be seen swimming end to end repeatedly as they patrol their area.
The Red fin Foxface is also known as the Flamboyant or the Magnificent Rabbitfish (Siganus magnificus) and has most of the same characteristics and temperament as the One Spot Foxface Rabbitfish.
Neither seems to be aggressive in the aquarium, but it does have a reputation of being a bad boy, mostly because it will actively defend itself when it is attacked by others. It doesn't hurt that both species have venom in their spines to protect themselves when attacked.
Otherwise, they seem to get along with most other fish in the reef setting and enjoy a larger aquarium where they can swim easily and for as long a distance as possible.
Suggested minimum aquarium size is at least 100 gallons.
Another one of their reputations with hobbyists is that they have a tendency to pick at coral in the aquarium. Although this may occur, mostly it is suspected they are actually nipping at the zooanthids which closely resemble the macro algae they are most fond of.
The Foxface got their "Rabbitfish" because of their enjoyment in eating macro algae which they constantly seem to be grazing. They will eat most types, good and bad macro algae growing in the environment will be munched.
Their active mouths are usually seen to be constantly opening and closing even when they are swimming, not just when grazing. They are basically herbivorous and do require plenty of algae and plant material in their diet.
This is often grazed from established algae in the aquarium, or can be supplemented with pieces of nori or other algae based flakes, such as spirulina and such. They are not difficult eaters and will accept other foods as well, including mysid shrimp if offered. With enough proper green matter, the tendency to nip at soft corals will be greatly reduced.
Caution - Rabbitfish are venomous
Rabbitfish carry venom in their arsenal of defence weapons. Although the toxin that Rabbitfish carry in their anal and dorsal fins is venomous, it is not as deadly as that delivered by a prick from a Volitans Lionfish.
No matter, the sting is quite painful and is used when a Rabbitfish is forced to protect itself. It has been likened to about a hundred times as painful as a bee sting. The results will last for a couple of days with both swelling and intense pain being the most notable.
These fish will not go out of their way to attack any other tank mates, but will avidly use their spines as a defense mechanism when forced to defend itself. Be wary of the spines anytime one of these fish is in an aquarium.
When human hands must enter for maintenance or other chores, it is wise to identify the favorite place these fish might retreat. Watch carefully that they are avoided, the sting may not be terminal, but it should be actively avoided.
Rubber gloves should be worn anytime you place your hand(s) in the tank, and careful observation of the fish is wise during these times.
