the magnificent foxface (also known as majestic foxface, and metallic foxface), latin name siganus magnifica is an extremely rare foxface that is an excellent aquarium fish that does well in captivity. the foxface is in the rabbitfish family and this particular variant can be from 3" to 7" in captivity although there have been a few that have grown larger.
the magnificent foxface ( as well as others) have been called sawblades due to their dorsal and anal spines having a somewhat likeness to a sawblade.
please note (ALL FOXFACES ARE VENOMOUS DO NOT HANDLE THEM) the poison comes through their dorsal and anal fins.
the magnificent foxface is native to the indo pacific region.
they are herbivores but should be provided with a variety of frozen, flake, and dried algae sheets they will also graze upon algae on your live rocks and glass (or acrylic depending on what your tank is made out of)
the foxface should NOT be kept in takes smaller than 55 gallons due to the sizes they can reach.
it is an excellent reef fish and is completely reef safe and since it will graze on algae it make it excellent in controlling some forms of algae.
there are other foxfaces that are easier to acquire that will also suit the needs for aquarist's. the magnificent are rare and not available all of the time commanding a higher price tag (119.00 for a 3" to 4", 139.00 for 4 to 5", 149.00 for 5 to 7" at online e-tailers while some of the few larger than 7" (also called show size) can bring 250.00 to 300.00).
this one (like all other foxfaces spook easily and will darken up and will take time to acclimate to heavy foot traffic around the tank but will still darken up and show stress colors all the time, this is nothing to worry about and is normal.
lighting and water conditions:
care level: easy
temperature: 72 to 78F
PH: 8.2 to 8.4
temperament: peaceful
reef safe: yes (if you see it picking on your corals it may actually be grazing upon algae and NOT the coral itself)
diet: herbivore provide a variety of frozen, flake, algae sheets (seaweed/kelp) and it will also graze on algae.
origin: indo pacific
minimum tank size: 55 gallons
10/23/2009, 12:18 am
