One Spot Foxface - Siganus unimaculatus

One Spot Foxface - Siganus unimaculatus

Small (<2")
$104.99
Sale price  $104.99 Regular price 
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One Spot Foxface - Siganus unimaculatus

One Spot Foxface - Siganus unimaculatus

$104.99
Sale price  $104.99 Regular price 
SKU: RABBITxSpotFoxS
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Diet
algae/nori spirulina mysis brine shrimp
Min Tank Size 50 gallons
Temperament Peaceful
Reef Safe No
Care & Diet Feeding, nutrition, and best practices.

Diet Type: Omnivore

Diet and Feeding: The One Spot Foxface is primarily an herbivore, grazing constantly in nature on marine algae, filamentous growths, and small amounts of detritus and benthic material. In captivity, it is beneficial to make nori, dried seaweed, spirulina-based flakes, algae wafers, and quality herbivore pellets the bulk of the diet. To ensure balanced nutrition and added protein, offer occasional treats such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped marine seafood, but keep these as supplements rather than staples. Feeding seaweed from a clip encourages natural foraging behavior and helps support steady grazing throughout the day. Provide small portions multiple times daily, and avoid overfeeding to maintain water quality and prevent digestive issues.

algae/nori spirulina mysis brine shrimp
Behavior Temperament, activity level, and interactions.

Temperament: Peaceful

The One Spot Foxface is an active, midwater-to-lower-level swimmer that needs plenty of open space as well as secure hiding spots and overhangs to retreat into when startled. It is generally peaceful to semi-aggressive, but can become territorial, especially toward conspecifics, so it is usually best kept singly unless in a very large system. A minimum tank size of 75 gallons is recommended, with ample rockwork and visual barriers to break up sightlines and reduce stress, while still preserving open swimming lanes. In reef setups, it is typically considered reef-safe with corals and most invertebrates, though its behavior should be monitored around very small tank mates and other similarly shaped herbivores. This species is primarily herbivorous, grazing continuously on filamentous algae, macroalgae, and supplemental vegetable foods such as nori and algae-based preparations. Occasional meaty foods may be accepted, but its long-term health depends on a diet centered on plant material and regular grazing opportunities.

Tank & Aquascape Tank requirements and aquascaping tips.
Min Tank Size
50 gallons
Max Size
6 inches
Care Level
Moderate
Origin
Western Pacific
Compatibility Tank mates, aggression, and introduction order.
Temperament
Peaceful
Reef Safe
No
Reef & Health Reef safety, common issues, and prevention.
Reef Safe
No
Care Level
Moderate
FAQs Answers to the most common questions.
Why does my One Spot Foxface (Siganus unimaculatus) “glow” yellow one day and turn mottled brown/gray the next?

This species has rapid color-shifting camouflage. Bright yellow usually means it feels secure, active, and relaxed; mottled brown/gray indicates stress, sleep, or trying to blend into rockwork. Sudden paling can also happen during nighttime, when startled by tank mates, or if water quality is poor. If the fish is still eating and breathing normally, the color change is usually normal.

Is a One Spot Foxface safe with zoanthids, soft corals, and LPS in a reef tank?

It is generally considered one of the more reef-safe rabbitfish, but not fully guaranteed. Many individuals leave corals alone, especially in well-fed tanks, but some will nip zoanthids, fleshy LPS, and occasionally soft corals if hungry or underfed. They are much more likely to eat nuisance algae and macroalgae than coral, but each fish has its own personality. Feed heavily with algae-based foods to reduce risk.

How much algae does a One Spot Foxface actually need, and can it live in a tank that doesn’t grow much algae?

It does not need a tank packed with natural algae to survive, but it does need frequent plant-based feeding. In captivity, it should be offered nori, spirulina-based pellets, herbivore flakes, and frozen herbivore blends daily. Natural algae grazing is a bonus, not a requirement. A sparsely algaed tank is fine if the diet is strong and varied; an underfed foxface may become stressed, skinny, or more likely to nip corals.

What tank size and aquascape work best for a One Spot Foxface, especially as it gets large?

A juvenile may seem fine in a smaller tank, but adults get substantial and are active swimmers. A tank of at least 70–90 gallons is the practical minimum, with larger being better. They need long open swimming space plus lots of rockwork with caves and overhangs for security. Keep a tight-fitting lid or mesh cover, because startled foxfaces can jump. Also provide strong but not chaotic flow and plenty of grazing surfaces.

My One Spot Foxface keeps “playing dead” or lying on its side at night—should I worry?

Usually no. One Spot Foxfaces often wedge into rockwork or rest on their sides at night, sometimes with their body color darkened, which can look alarming. They may also “freeze” and change color when frightened, making them seem lifeless. Worry only if the fish stays on its side during the day, stops eating, breathes rapidly, or becomes unresponsive for long periods. Those signs point to illness, poor acclimation, or water-quality problems.

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.

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

Introduction to Saltwater Foxface & Rabbitfish

Foxface and Rabbitfish are hardy, vibrantly colored herbivores known for their unique body shapes, peaceful nature, and venomous dorsal spines. Found in Indo-Pacific coral reefs and lagoons, these fish are excellent algae grazers that help maintain a clean aquarium. While generally peaceful, they may become territorial toward similar herbivores in smaller tanks. Additionally, some individuals may nip at soft corals or fleshy LPS corals if underfed.

Care Requirements

Care Level: Easy to Moderate Minimum Tank Size: 70 – 125+ gallons Smaller species (e.g., One-Spot Foxface) – 70+ gallons Larger species (e.g., Magnificent Foxface) – 125+ gallons Aquarium Setup: Requires open swimming space and rockwork for grazing and shelter Foxface and Rabbitfish are active swimmers that require plenty of space to move freely. Providing hiding areas helps them feel secure, as they may become skittish when first introduced.

Diet & Nutrition

Foxface and Rabbitfish are primarily herbivorous and require a plant-based diet to stay healthy. Diet: Herbivorous – Prefers marine algae, seaweed, and plant-based foods

Recommended Foods:

Nori and seaweed sheets (offered daily) Spirulina-based flakes and pellets Fresh vegetables like blanched spinach and zucchini Occasional mysis shrimp or other meaty foods for variety A steady supply of algae is important for preventing coral nipping in reef tanks.

Lifespan & Growth Rate

Lifespan: 5-10+ years Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast – Some species reach 9+ inches With proper care, Foxface and Rabbitfish can live over a decade, making them a long-term commitment.

Temperament & Compatibility

Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive – Can be territorial toward similar species Reef Safe? With Caution – May nip at soft corals if underfed Avoid housing them with highly aggressive fish, as their peaceful nature makes them easy targets for bullying.

Common Challenges & Considerations

Venomous Spines: The dorsal spines are venomous and can cause painful stings—handle with care. Shy When Introduced: May hide or change colors when stressed but become more active over time. Potential Coral Nipping: Ensure proper feeding to prevent coral grazing. Water Conditions Temperature: 74-80°F dKH (Alkalinity): 8-12 pH: 8.1-8.4 Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025 Stable reef conditions and good water quality are key to maintaining health and coloration.

Color Varieties & Popular Species

Foxface and Rabbitfish come in various colors and patterns, making them standout additions to saltwater tanks. Foxface Rabbitfish (Siganus vulpinus) – Yellow body with black-and-white mask, one of the most common species Magnificent Foxface (Siganus magnificus) – Similar to the Foxface but with striking white, black, and yellow coloration One-Spot Foxface (Siganus unimaculatus) – Features a single black spot on its yellow body, slightly smaller than other species Blue-Spotted Rabbitfish (Siganus corallinus) – Covered in iridescent blue spots, known for its calm demeanor

Ships FREE with Corals

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Ships FREE with Corals

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