Foxface and Rabbitfish are some of the most interesting additions to a saltwater tank. Technically, Foxfaces are a variety of Rabbitfish and belong to the Sigandie family. There are several subspecies, including the Magnificent Foxface and the One Spot Foxface. In this guide, we’ll examine everything you need to know about this curious fish. Remember: they have venomous barbs, so beginners should take care!
1. They Need Large Tanks and Warm Water
Any prospective fish owner should understand what equipment their pets will need as well as their ideal water parameters. Foxface Rabbitfish are saltwater fish that grow between seven and ten inches depending on the subspecies. That’s why you must choose the correct tank size. These fish are relatively large and very active, so they’ll need plenty of space to move around. We recommend a tank of 75 to 125 gallons for one fish, again depending on the variety. These are one of many fish that commonly outgrow their tanks.
Meanwhile, they need a water temperature of 74 to 80°F because they are a tropical species. The pH level should be 8.1 to 8.4. Don’t forget to clean their tank regularly with daily water temperature and filter checks. You should also test the water parameters at least once a week. Change up to a quarter of the tank’s water at least once a month or more often if necessary. Otherwise, Foxface Rabbitfish don’t require any unique care.
2. Foxface and Rabbitfish Enjoy a Varied Diet
Rabbitfish are generally herbivores but may eat smaller invertebrates and crustaceans. Usually, owners will give them standard marine flakes and fish food. However, you should balance this diet by adding green leaves like lettuce and spinach. In the wild, they mostly consume marine algae. You could supplement their diet with algae sheets as well as tiny brine shrimp. You should only feed the fish as much as they will eat in under three minutes. Feed them small amounts up to three times a day and don’t forget to clean waste food to maintain a healthy tank.
However, leave the algae sheets in the aquarium so the fish can pick at them all day. One benefit is that Rabbitfish will also eat nuisance algae. Note that while these fish make excellent tank cleaners, they cannot replace filtration systems.
3. Suitable Tankmates for Rabbitfish Include Tang
Many home aquarium owners love Rabbitfish because of their peaceful nature. It’s easy to find tankmates for them because they won’t bother other species. However, avoid keeping multiple Foxfaces or other Rabbitfish together because they may become territorial. Never house males together because it’s a recipe for disaster. Pairing them with larger docile fish, like Tangs and Angelfish, is best. Don’t put them with fish that will attack or pick at their fins because this will stress the Rabbitfish—and stress in fish can lead to numerous health problems, including fin rot and swim bladder disease.
4. Use a Net to Relocate Rabbitfish
Owners should take care when they handle their Foxface Rabbitfish. We generally advise against doing this unless absolutely necessary. Nonetheless, there may be occasions when you need to quarantine your fish––or you may want to adjust an internal water filter or remove some live rock. Many experts recommend wearing protective gloves or using a divider to protect your bare skin from their spines. The sting is extremely painful and will last for a few days so don’t underestimate it.
Always use a net if you must remove your Rabbitfish from the primary tank, being careful to avoid touching the fish with bare hands. It may be easier to scoop them up with two nets than one because they’re less likely to entangle their spines in the mesh.
Most owners never suffer any stings but it’s wise to be aware of the possibility. What’s more, Foxface Rabbitfish rarely use their defensive spines aggressively. They’ll only detach if they feel scared, but still, approach them with caution.
5. Avoid Touching a Rabbitfish’s Spines
If a Foxface or other Rabbitfish stings you, it will hurt. But it’s not the end of the world. Follow these steps to relieve the pain:
1. Remove any detached spines with tweezers and rinse with saltwater.
2. Wash the affected area under very hot water. It’s best to use as hot as you can stand without burning the skin. This will help break down the proteins in the venom.
3. Disinfect the affected area with an appropriate antibiotic or ointment. Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory.
4. Seek medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction or develop a secondary infection.
6. Understand the Diseases That Affect Rabbitfish
Foxface and Rabbitfish make excellent pets because they’re relatively hardy compared to other species. That’s why they make brilliant starter fish for new saltwater tank owners. They are very disease-resistant but can sometimes cause common pet fish diseases. Marine velvet, ich, bacterial infections, and fin rot are some problems they may suffer.
Most of these issues are very avoidable if owners appropriately manage their tanks’ environment and perform essential aquarium-cleaning tasks. Maintain consistent tank parameters and never neglect the aquarium. Cleaning is easy if you keep on top of it and it will only take a few minutes daily. Meanwhile, quarantine new fish for up to a month in a back-up tank. This massively reduces the risk of stressed marine life spreading diseases or bringing nasty parasites into a pristine environment. Also, always diagnose sick fish until you identify the cause or health problem.
