Black Spot Foxface

Description

The black spot fox face (Siganus unimaculatus) is a striking marine fish known for its distinct colouration and unique features. It can grow up to a maximum size of around 12 inches (30 centimetres). This species has an elongated body shape with a compressed profile, and its dorsal and anal fins are adorned with sharp spines. The black spot fox face displays a vibrant combination of yellow and black, with a prominent black spot located towards the rear of its body. The scales of this fish are small and closely set, giving it a smooth appearance.

Taxonomy

The black spot fox face belongs to the genus Siganus and the family Siganidae. Siganus is a genus of marine fish commonly known as rabbitfish. The family Siganidae consists of approximately 30 species, and they are primarily found in the Indo-Pacific region. The closest relatives of the black spot foxface within the genus Siganus include other fox face rabbitfish species, such as the magnificent foxface (Siganus magnificus) and the blotched foxface (Siganus unimaculatus). The genus name Siganus is derived from the Greek word “sigano,” meaning “rabbit,” due to the rabbit-like shape of these fish.

Natural Habitat

The natural habitat of the black spot fox face encompasses coral reefs and rocky areas in tropical and subtropical waters. It prefers areas with abundant hiding spots, such as caves and crevices, where it can seek shelter when feeling threatened. The habitat is rich in diverse coral formations and other marine organisms, providing a wide range of food sources for the black spot foxface. These underwater ecosystems are teeming with life, featuring vibrant corals, various fish species, and other invertebrates.

Keeping the Black Spot Fox Face Healthy

The care level for the black spot fox face is moderate, making it suitable for intermediate-level aquarists. Providing a well-maintained aquarium environment is essential for their health and well-being. It is recommended to maintain stable water conditions, with a temperature range of 74-80°F (23-27°C) and a salinity level of 1.022-1.025 specific gravity. Regular water quality checks, including monitoring pH and ammonia levels, are crucial to ensure optimal conditions.

Special Requirements and Feeding

The black spot foxface has a herbivorous diet and requires a varied and balanced nutritional intake. It primarily feeds on algae, including filamentous, calcareous, and green varieties. Offering a mix of high-quality commercial foods designed for herbivorous marine fish, such as algae-based pellets and flakes, is recommended. Supplementing their diet with fresh vegetables, like blanched spinach or seaweed sheets, helps mimic their natural feeding habits and provides essential nutrients.

How Many Should I Keep?

When considering the black spot foxface, it is recommended to keep only one specimen per tank due to their territorial nature. They can become aggressive towards conspecifics (same species) and other similar-looking fish, especially when establishing their territory. However, they can coexist with other peaceful fish species, such as tangs, wrasses, and clownfish, in a well-sized aquarium with ample hiding places.

Lighting Preference

The black spot fox face prefers moderate to bright lighting conditions in the aquarium. Mimicking natural sunlight by using full-spectrum reef lighting systems is beneficial for the overall health and colouration of this species. Adequate lighting also promotes the growth of algae, which serves as a natural food source for the black spot foxface.

Suitable Tank Mates

The black spot foxface can cohabitate with a variety of compatible tank mates. Peaceful and non-aggressive fish species that inhabit different water levels, such as damselfish, gobies, and cardinalfish, make suitable companions. It is important to avoid keeping them with aggressive or territorial species, as this can lead to conflicts and stress for the black spot foxface. Additionally, caution should be exercised when introducing new tank mates to prevent any potential aggression or territorial disputes.

Reproduction in the Wild

In the wild, the black spot fox face (Siganus unimaculatus) engages in reproductive activities that lead to the continuation of their species. These events occur within their natural habitat, predominantly coral reefs and rocky areas. During the breeding season, which varies depending on the geographical location, male and female black spot foxfaces engage in courtship behaviours to initiate the spawning process. The exact details of their reproductive behaviour in the wild are not extensively documented, but it is believed that they release their gametes into the water column, where fertilization takes place.

Breeding Siganus unimaculatus

Breeding the black spot fox face (Siganus unimaculatus) in a controlled aquarium environment requires specific setups and attention to detail. Here is a detailed overview of the breeding process:

• Set Up

To create an ideal breeding environment, provide a spacious aquarium with a minimum size of 100 gallons. Use a well-established reef tank with stable water parameters. Install appropriate lighting to mimic natural conditions and provide hiding spots, such as PVC pipes or live rock, for the fish to spawn and seek refuge.

• Courtship/Spawning

Introduce a well-conditioned pair of black spot foxfaces to the breeding tank. The male will display courtship behaviours, such as increased activity and vibrant coloration, to attract the female. Once courtship is successful, spawning occurs, with the male and female swimming closely together in synchronized movements. The female releases eggs into the water column while the male simultaneously releases sperm for fertilization to occur.

• Rearing

To increase the chances of successful breeding, it is recommended to remove the adult fish from the breeding tank after spawning, as they may consume the eggs. The fertilized eggs, which are buoyant, will float in the water column. Provide gentle water flow to keep the eggs suspended. After hatching, the larvae will go through a pelagic stage and gradually develop into juveniles. It is crucial to provide appropriate larval food, such as rotifers and copepods, to support their growth and survival.

Sexual Dimorphism

Sexual dimorphism in the black spot fox face (Siganus unimaculatus) is not distinctly pronounced. However, during the spawning season, males may exhibit more vibrant colouration and increased activity levels compared to females. Females may appear slightly plumper due to the presence of eggs.

Distribution

The black spot fox face, Siganus unimaculatus, is native to the Indo-Pacific region, specifically the tropical and subtropical waters. It is found in various locations including the Red Sea, the Maldives, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Hawaiian Islands. While captive-bred and line-bred strains of black spot foxfaces are available in the aquarium trade, the original fish typically originate from the wild populations of these regions.

Summary

The black spot foxface (Siganus unimaculatus) engages in reproductive activities in the wild, where spawning takes place through the release of gametes into the water column. Breeding this species in a controlled environment requires appropriate setups, courtship behaviours, and the provision of optimal conditions for egg fertilization and larval rearing. Sexual dimorphism in this species is not highly pronounced. The black spot foxface is native to the Indo-Pacific region, and while captive-bred strains exist, the original fish are typically sourced from wild populations.

The Fish pictured here are representative only and the livestock you receive may vary in pattern, coloration, and shape.