Description:
Naturally found in tropical ocean waters of the Western Pacific, specifically off the Ryukyu Islands, Taiwan, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, Northern and Western Australia, and the Philippines, the One Spot Foxface is a popular specimen for hobbyists with large tanks. Like all members of the Siganus genus, the One Spot Foxface is also referred to as a Rabbitfish. This is due to the rabbit nose-like appearance of its mouth. The One Spot Foxface has one irregular dark spot on the middle of the upper rear of its bright, yellow body. The head and anterior portion of the body is white with a 1 black band running from the mouth to the dorsal fin and a second black line running from the shoulder area to the chest. They have large, beautiful eyes that are reminiscent of a fox's eyes.
Diet:
The One Spot Foxface is primarily an herbivore. 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 One Spot Foxface healthy and brightly colored. A well-fed One Spot 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 One Spot Foxface can reach up to 8 inches and requires an aquarium of at least 100 gallons with live rock and plenty of room to swim. If your One Spot 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 One Spot 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 One Spot 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.