Care
The Magnificent Foxface is a highly prized member of the venomous rabbitfish family. This species sports spectacular red colouration along the dorsal fin, most noticeable when its fins are held erect. In the wild, the Red Foxface inhabits coral reefs, where it feeds upon algae and tiny invertebrates. Juvenile specimens tend to be very secretive and hide amongst the corals, whereas larger adults are often observed swimming in pairs. The aquarium should have powerful filtration and circulation, and should offer plenty of dark hiding places amongst the rockwork. If adding this species to a reef aquarium, be aware that occasional specimens do have a taste for certain coral polyps, particularly those that are feeling hungry, so be sure to observe carefully and ensure the fish is receiving enough food. The Red Foxface has a small mouth that is specially adapted for browsing on algae (the main constituent of its diet) and will consume both undesirable and desirable algae species. They must receive regular offerings of greenfoods in their diet, otherwise they will fade in colour and their health will deteriorate. Meaty foods can be offered, and indeed will be accepted, but it is very important that rabbitfish receive a decent amount of algae-based foodstuffs as part of their daily nourishment. Red Foxfaces tend to be intolerant of their own kind within the confines of the aquarium and are best kept singly, with the exception of a bonded male-female pair. Unrelated fish species will be ignored, most giving the Red Foxface a wide berth because of the venomous spines on its dorsal and anal fins. Needless to say, this is a fish that must be handled with much care when catching and acclimatising; ideally it should be gently herded into a submerged fish-bag or solid container, rather than risk using a net to lift it from the water. The fish is likely to erect its fins, entangling the sturdy spines in the netting, and at the same time there is the chance of the aquarist receiving a very painful sting. This species is capable of changing colour to a blotchy "fright pattern" at the blink of an eye. This can be due to a sudden shock (e.g. someone coming into the room where the aquarium is situated), an altercation with another fish, lights coming on too suddenly etc. Ideally the tank should be situated away from high areas of foot traffic. These fish also adopt the same blotchy pattern when resting at night. *If you are accidentally stung by your Foxface, it is best to seek medical advice immediately.*
Feeding
Offer a varied diet that consists mainly of vegetable matter e.g. frozen foods containing Spirulina, plus marine algae, Nori (dried seaweed) and green marine flake food. Will accept small meaty foods such as Mysis shrimp, vitamin/Spirulina enriched brineshrimp, finely chopped krill etc, but this should be as a supplement to the predominantly herbivorous diet. A mature tank with a healthy growth of algae on the rockwork is immensely beneficial in providing the Foxface with natural grazing opportunities.
Breeding
Unreported in the home aquarium.
