Description
One Spot Foxface (Siganus unimaculatus)
Overview
The One Spot Foxface (Siganus unimaculatus) is a popular and striking marine fish, highly valued for its gentle temperament and exceptional ability to control nuisance algae, including bubble algae
- Appearance: This fish features a bright yellow body with a distinctive, large black spot on the upper posterior of its body (the “one spot”). It has a uniquely shaped, pointed snout (fox-like) that allows it to reach algae in deep crevices that other grazers cannot access.
- Size: Can grow to approximately 18–20 cm.
- Lifespan: Often lives 10+ years with proper care.
- Venomous Spines: Like other rabbitfish, the One Spot Foxface has venomous spines along its dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins. While it is not aggressive, it will flare these spines when stressed. Use extreme caution when handling or netting this fish to avoid painful stings.
Care Requirements
- Tank Size: A minimum of 300–400 litres is required, though 400+ litres is better to accommodate its size and swimming needs.
- Aquascaping: They require plenty of live rock to graze upon and secure caves/overhangs where they feel safe to retreat at night.
- Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 23–27°C.
- Salinity: 1.020–1.025 SG.
- pH: 8.1–8.4.
Maintenance
They are active grazers with a high metabolic rate, producing significant waste. Ensure robust mechanical and biological filtration and perform regular water changes.
Diet
- Primary Diet: Primarily herbivorous. Nori (dried seaweed) on a clip should be offered daily to prevent them from nipping at corals.
- Varied Nutrition: Supplement with high-quality herbivore pellets, frozen spirulina-based foods, and occasional meaty foods (mysis or brine shrimp) to provide a complete nutritional profile.
Behavior and Compatibility
- Temperament: Very peaceful. They are generally shy and non-aggressive toward other tank mates, making them an excellent community fish.
- Compatibility: Safe with almost all community fish. Avoid housing them with highly aggressive species that might harass them, as this causes the Foxface to remain hidden and stressed.
- Reef Safety: Generally reef-safe. However, if they are not fed enough greens, they may occasionally sample LPS (Large Polyp Stony) corals or soft corals. Keep them well-fed to ensure they focus on the algae on your rocks.
Reproduction
Breeding has not been successfully reported in home aquariums.
Tips
- Fright Coloration: Don’t be alarmed if you see your Foxface turn a splotchy brown/white pattern, especially when stressed, during transport, or when the lights first turn on. This is a normal defense mechanism; they will return to their bright yellow color once they feel secure.
- Acclimatization: They can be shy initially. Provide plenty of rockwork so they can hide until they become accustomed to your aquarium’s activity.
- Safety Warning: If you are stung, soak the affected area in hot water (110–115°F) immediately, as the toxin is heat-labile (it breaks down with heat). Seek medical attention if you have a severe reaction or are allergic to stings.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Either come in store to view available stock or request pictures to be sent to you.
Please Note: Due to variations within species resulting from age, region, sex, etc., the actual livestock may not look identical to the image. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimens.
