Description:
Native to the water of the Indo-Pacific region, the Magnificent Foxface is a unique specimen of Foxface that is seen less commonly than the other species of the same family. Like all members of the Siganus genus, Magnificent Foxface is so named due to the rabbit nose-like appearance of its mouth. The Magnificent Foxface has a very beautiful coloration. The face is white with a distinctive black band. The body is half white and half dark brown to black and each fin is fringed with yellow or red. They also have large, beautiful eyes like a fox.
Diet:
Magnificent Foxfaces are primarily herbivores. They need rocks to graze on and offerings of marine algae and Nori. They also will accept flake foods and pellet foods. A good variety of foods will keep your Magnificent Foxface healthy and brightly colored. A well-fed Magnificent Foxface will not likely eat your corals, but there is always a possibility if they get hungry enough. Therefore, we say they are reef safe with caution.
Behavior:
The Magnificent Foxface can reach up to 9 inches and requires an aquarium of at least 100 gallons with live rock and plenty of room to swim. If your Magnificent Foxface becomes startled or is ready to sleep, it will go to a space it feels safe, camouflage itself by changing the color of its body in a mottled mix of lighter and darker shades, and extend its dorsal spines. During the day, they generally swim all over the tank, from mid range to the bottom, picking at algae much like a Tang. They’re a very peaceful fish in a reef tank. However, the Magnificent Foxface is generally aggressive to members of the same species. For this reason, only 1 Foxface should be kept in your tank. The sheer size and temperament of a Magnificent Foxface compared to most marine fish makes them a good peacekeeper in a mixed reef. They will try to defend themselves against any potential threat by raising and expanding their 13, tall dorsal spines, filled with venom, and turn those spines toward the threat. They aren’t especially fast swimmers and will usually hide from anything entering the water, so be aware of where your Foxface is before you stick your hands in the tank. It’s recommended that you wear gloves when doing tank maintenance or trying to remove a Foxface. Seek medical attention if you are poked with the venomous spines as a secondary infection could possibly develop. If you intend to keep fish, a netted lid is recommended.