Foxface Rabbitfish - Small

The Foxface Rabbitfish has a vibrant yellow body coloring up to the pectoral fins which are white. There is a band of white that stretches up the Foxfaces’ body from the pectoral fins to the top of its’ head. It has a white face with a black stripe that travels over its’ eye and down its’ snout. The is also a black patch below its’ face which reaches the pectoral fins. The color can lighten to a whiteish brown shade at night or if they are stressed.

Foxface Rabbitfish have venomous spines, located in the dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins. These fish aren’t aggressive, but the spines are used defensively, so care must be taken when handling them.

The natural habitat for Foxface Rabbitfish is around reefs and lagoons with plenty of coral to provide shelter.

The females reproduce by scattering pelagic eggs after a midwater mating ritual. After fertilization, the eggs attach to plankton and eventually settle at the bottom of the reef.

Foxface Rabbitfish grow to a length of 24 centimeters (9 in). Its’ typical lifespan is 8-12 years.

It is distribution spreads across the Western Pacific ocean, including Indonesia, western Philippines, New Guinea, and the Great Barrier Reef.

Tank Recommendations for Foxface Rabbitfish

Recommended tanks size is at least 473 liters (125 gallons)

Foxface Rabbitfish are suited to an aquarium in a reef setting, with plenty of coral. They like tanks that include plenty of rocky areas with caves and hiding places for them to shelter in.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Foxface Rabbitfish have a peaceful temperament and are compatible with a wide variety of fish. An exception to this can be if you keep them with other rabbitfish.

Usually Compatible

It is generally safe for them to share a tank with more aggressive species because the Rabbitfish’s venomous spine is a deterrent to predators. Suitable tank buddies include Angels, Anthias, Blennies, Chromis, Clownfish, Damsels, Lionfish, and Puffers,

Sometime Compatible

Sharing with other rabbitfish can lead to aggression. Sometimes they can be kept with Sharks/Rays, Tangs & Triggers without issue, but watch them. Wrasse is ok in a reef environment but can be a problem in a fish-only environment. Live corals and small invertebrates may get nibbled, especially if the Foxface is not kept well fed.

Rarely Compatible

Seahorses and Pipefish aren't compatible with these fish as they may struggle to feed with these quicker fish.

Feeding Your Foxface Rabbitfish

Foxface Rabbitfish are omnivores; but, a large part of their diet needs to be algae and plant-based.

As well as eating their greens, Foxface Rabbitfish will also consume meaty foods such as brine shrimp and Mysis shrimp. Frozen products and food flakes suitable for omnivores and herbivores can also be included in their diet.

These fish are grazers, so including a vegetable clip in the aquarium with some seaweed, a few times a week will give be appreciated.

Live rock with algae growth will also allow them to pick at food as they move around the tank.