Magnificent Foxface - Siganus magnificus

Large (4.5-5.5")

$239.99

$239.99 $299.99

Magnificent Foxface - Siganus magnificus

Rabbitfish & Foxface Reef Safe

$239.99

$239.99 $299.99

SAVE $60

SKU: RABBITxMagnificentL

5 Day Guarantee

Reef Guard Covers You

Ships Overnight

Only FedEx Priority

Expert Support

We've got your back!

Diet

algae/nori spirulina mysis brine shrimp

Min Tank Size 50 gallons

Temperament Peaceful

Reef Safe Yes

Care & Diet Feeding, nutrition, and best practices.

Diet Type: Omnivore

Diet and Feeding: The Magnificent Foxface is primarily herbivorous, grazing on marine algae, seaweed, and filamentous growth in the wild, though it will also opportunistically take small meaty items. In captivity, it is beneficial to make the bulk of the diet high-quality nori, red and green seaweed, spirulina-based flakes, marine algae pellets, and herbivore formulas designed for tangs and rabbitfish. To ensure balanced nutrition, supplement regularly with frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, chopped seafood, and other marine-based treats in moderation. Offering seaweed on a clip or feeding station encourages natural foraging behavior and helps keep the fish engaged and comfortable. Feed small portions once or twice daily, adjusting to appetite, and avoid overfeeding to maintain excellent water quality and prevent unnecessary weight gain.

algae/nori spirulina mysis brine shrimp

Behavior Temperament, activity level, and interactions.

Temperament: Peaceful

The Magnificent Foxface is an active, open-water swimmer that also spends time weaving through rockwork, so it does best in a spacious aquarium with plenty of open swimming room plus secure hiding spots and overhangs. It is generally peaceful but can be semi-aggressive toward conspecifics, especially in smaller systems, and is usually kept singly unless housed in very large tanks. A minimum of 125 gallons is recommended, with a layout built around ample rockwork and visual barriers to reduce stress and help establish a comfortable territory. In most reef settings it is considered reef-safe with caution, as it is typically compatible with corals and many invertebrates, though individual behavior should still be monitored. It coexists well with similarly sized, non-aggressive tank mates, but overly timid species may be outcompeted at feeding time. Dietarily, it is primarily herbivorous with opportunistic omnivorous tendencies, grazing continuously on marine algae and accepting nori, spirulina-based foods, and other vegetable fare supplemented with meaty offerings. Regular grazing access and varied feeding help maintain health, coloration, and steady behavior.

Tank & Aquascape Tank requirements and aquascaping tips.

Min Tank Size: 50 gallons
Max Size: 6 inches
Care Level: Moderate
Origin: Indian Ocean

Compatibility Tank mates, aggression, and introduction order.

Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Safe: Yes

Reef & Health Reef safety, common issues, and prevention.

Reef Safe: Yes
Care Level: Moderate

FAQs Answers to the most common questions.

How can I reliably tell a Magnificent Foxface (Siganus magnificus) apart from a One-spot Foxface or Scribbled Rabbitfish when shopping?

The Magnificent Foxface is typically more vividly patterned and cleanly contrasted than most other foxfaces. Look for the bold yellow/orange face and body with a strong dark black-to-brown rear half and a sharp white or pale vertical band near the head/shoulder area. Juveniles often have a more obvious “fox-like” profile with a brighter yellow front and darker rear. It’s easy to confuse them with other Siganus species when stressed, so compare body shape, the exact placement of dark patches, and ask for the scientific name; stores often label all foxfaces loosely.

What tank size and aquascape does a Magnificent Foxface actually need long term?

A minimum of about 75 gallons is the practical floor for a single adult, but 90–120 gallons is much better because they are active swimmers and appreciate open water. They need sturdy rockwork for grazing and sleeping, but not a rock wall that blocks swim space. Leave broad lanes in the tank, because they cruise constantly and can become skittish if cramped. Use tightly secured rock and stable decorations, since they may startle and dart. A lid is strongly recommended, as foxfaces can jump when frightened.

Will a Magnificent Foxface really eat bubble algae and hair algae, or is that hobby myth?

It can help with some nuisance algae, but it is not a magic fix. Many individuals graze on filamentous algae, film algae, and some bubble algae, but results vary by specimen and tank conditions. They are primarily omnivorous herbivores, so they do best when algae is supplemented with seaweed, nori, spirulina-based foods, and quality frozen foods. If you rely on it alone for algae control, you’ll likely be disappointed. Think of it as a grazer that may assist with algae management, not a dedicated cleanup crew.

Are Magnificent Foxfaces reef safe, and what corals or invertebrates are most at risk?

They are generally considered reef safe with caution. Most individuals leave healthy corals alone, but they may nip at fleshy LPS, zoanthids, soft corals, or clam mantles if underfed or personality-driven. They are usually safe with most fish, snails, and larger shrimp, though any fish can become curious. The biggest reef concern is not “predation” so much as opportunistic grazing and sampling. Heavy, varied feeding greatly reduces the chance of coral nipping.

How dangerous are the dorsal and anal spines on a Magnificent Foxface, and what should I do if I get stung?

Very dangerous by aquarium standards. Like other rabbitfish, the Magnificent Foxface has venomous spines that can deliver a very painful sting, swelling, and throbbing that can last hours. Handle them only with containers, fish traps, or thick gloves, never by hand. If stung, immerse the area in hot water that is tolerable to the skin, and seek medical attention if there is severe pain, spreading swelling, allergic reaction, or any symptoms beyond a typical localized sting. Avoid panic and don’t cut or suck the wound.

Goes well with:

You will receive a fish SIMILAR in design and size to the fish in the photo. This is NOT a WYSIWYG fish.

Magnificent Foxface Rabbitfish (Siganus magnificus)

The Magnificent Foxface Rabbitfish is a stunning and eye-catching addition to larger reef and fish-only aquariums. Known for its bold black, white, and yellow coloration, this species features a masked face with a deep black wedge covering the eyes, a bright white body, and vivid yellow dorsal and caudal fins. Its unique appearance is matched by a calm temperament and useful algae-grazing behavior.

Tank Requirements

Magnificent Foxfaces require a minimum tank size of 100 gallons, as they are active swimmers that need open space and plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. They adapt well to reef tanks but need plenty of swimming room and secure rockwork for retreat. Caution is necessary when handling or maintaining the tank, as they possess venomous dorsal spines used for defense.

Functional Grazers

These rabbitfish are excellent algae eaters, helping to control various nuisance algae such as hair algae and macroalgae. Their constant grazing contributes to better water quality and algae management, especially in systems with high nutrient loads. However, their appetite for some types of fleshy macroalgae may make them unsuitable for tanks with decorative algae species.

Diet and Feeding

Primarily herbivorous, the Magnificent Foxface thrives on a diet rich in marine-based algae and plant matter. Offer a mix of nori (seaweed sheets), spirulina-based flakes or pellets, and blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach. Supplement with occasional meaty foods such as mysis shrimp or finely chopped seafood to provide variety and ensure balanced nutrition.

Tankmates and Behavior

Generally peaceful and shy, Magnificent Foxfaces do well in community tanks with similarly tempered fish. They may become territorial with other rabbitfish or similarly shaped species in smaller systems, so it’s best to keep them singly unless housed in a very large tank. Their venomous spines serve as a defense against predators but are not used offensively in normal interactions. Over time, they become more confident and bold, often cruising the tank in search of algae to graze.