Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
General Description: The Bicolor Foxface is a unique fish endemic to coral reefs of Fiji. It is distinguishable from all other foxface species by its interesting block coloration, in that the front half of the fish is dark brown to black while the back half of the fish is bright yellow. Foxface add a beautiful pop of color and presence to any reef or fish-only with live rock aquarium. Though it has a peaceful demeanor, the Bicolor foxface can be kept successfully with more aggressive species because of its venomous dorsal spines that fish avoid. Because of this, great care must be taken when handling and to be congnicent of its whereabouts in the aquarium during maintenance. A relatively hardy fish, an adult Bicolor foxface can reach a size of approximately 10″. Due to seasonality or infrequent collection, there are periods during the year that Bicolor foxface are not available.
Diet Requirements: In the wild foxface are primarily herbivorous. A diet largely consisting of algae-based foods is absolutely necessary to maintain optimal health and coloration. Vegetable based flake foods or frozen foods, that may also include spirulina algae, are excellent options. We also recommend offering dried seaweed on a rock or clip three times a week minimum. Bicolor foxface will consume various other protein-based frozen foods.
Care Requirements: A minimum 125 gallon aquarium with 18+ inch width is ideal. Smaller specimens can be temporarily raised in smaller quarters (no less than 75 gallons) as long as it is upgraded accordingly. The Bicolor foxface enjoys a variety of rock work and crevices to take refuge, but also should be provided with open swimming space. Foxface are often sought after to add to a reef aquarium for not only their unique appearance, but their natural tendency to graze upon algae build up including nuisance bubble algae. The Bicolor foxface is not likely compatible with other foxface species, and this includes rabbitfish. Their addition into a reef aquarium is “with caution” because in certain circumstances where adequate food is not provided, Bicolor foxface have been observed to nip at macroalgaes, and large polyp stony and soft corals. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: Small: 2″ to 2-3/4″; Medium: 3″ to 3-3/4″; Large: 4″ to 5-3/4″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.