Page 279 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

BLENNIES AND MANDARINFISH • RABBITFISH 277

RABBITFISH Lo magnificus

Magnificent Foxface

ORIGINS Restricted to northern and western parts of the
The name of these fish derives partly from Indian Ocean, off the coast of East Africa.
the rabbitlike way in which they browse SIZE 8 in (20 cm).
DIET Plant matter and small live foods.
on marine algae and also partly WATER Temperature 79–82°F (26–28°C); alkaline
(pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.021–1.024.
from their harelike upper TEMPERAMENT Do not mix with other foxfaces.
lip. They are related to A single broad, black band running down each side
of the face distinguishes the Magnificent Foxface.
tangs and surgeonfish (see The “saddle” region on the upper back is invariably
pp. 236–239) and need dark, while the underparts are usually whiter, and
yellow is often evident on the fins. The Magnificent
similar care. There is much Foxface may feed on organpipe corals as well as
algae if housed in a reef aquarium.
debate over the relationships
between the species in this group.
Sexing is not usually possible, although
females are often larger than males.
The alternative name, “spinefoot,” for a number of these
fish derives from the venomous defensive spikes at the
front of the dorsal fin. Pictured here is the attractively Exact coloration
marked Golden-Spotted Spinefoot (Siganus punctatus). varies between
individuals
Siganus virgatus Siganus vulpinus Siganus unimaculatus
Double-Barred Spinefoot Foxface One-Spot Foxface

ORIGINS Extends from Australia’s Great Barrier Reef ORIGINS Extends from the eastern coast of southeast ORIGINS Restricted to the northwestern Pacific,
northward to Indonesia and the Philippines. Asia north to Japan and across the Pacific. specifically between Japan and the Philippines.
SIZE 12 in (30 cm). SIZE 10 in (25 cm). SIZE 8 in (20 cm).
DIET Plant matter and small live foods. DIET Plant matter and small live foods. DIET Plant matter and small live foods.
WATER Temperature 79–82°F (26–28°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 79–82°F (26–28°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 79–82°F (26–28°C); alkaline
(pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.021–1.024. (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.021–1.024. (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.021–1.024.
TEMPERAMENT Usually placid. TEMPERAMENT Intolerant of its own kind. TEMPERAMENT Intolerant of its own kind.
The color of the Double-Barred Spinefoot is The One-Spot is very similar in appearance to the
much brighter during the day, when the fish bears Foxface, showing the same characteristic black-
some resemblance to the Foxface. It displays and-white facial coloration and yellow body.
yellow coloration along the upper back, What sets this fish apart, however, is the black
extending to the caudal fin, and black bars spot just below the dorsal fin. The One-Spot and
across the head. These spinefoots are also able the Foxface are sometimes regarded as different
to change their color to merge in with their forms of the same species, with different areas of
background. Like other rabbitfish, they can be Narrow body is brighter than distribution. Their mutual intolerance means that
weaned easily onto artificial diets. that of the Magnificent Foxface these two fish should never be housed together.
The Foxface has a prominent black band running
through the eyes to the jaws, with a white area
beneath, plus black edging extending down from
the gill covers. Foxfaces vary so much throughout
their wide range that different populations are
sometimes regarded as separate species. These fish
need to be handled with particular care, because it Black area
continues
is very easy to catch your hands on the dorsal fin’s along the
defensive spines, which can inflict painful wounds. underparts

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