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Algae
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Although not an herbivore, the foxface rabbitfish is an obligate algae-eater -- he must have algae as a part of his diet to survive. The foxface rabbitfish is well-loved by aquarists wishing to rid their tanks of feather caulerpas, macroalgae that can quickly take over a tank's ecosystem, as the fish keep the macroalgae in check. One foxface rabbitfish can clear a tank of feather caulerpas in a couple of days, using its snoutlike mouth to clean reef rock and decorations in the tank.
Coral
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Despite the foxface rabbitfish's efficient removal of algae, he has a tendency to nip at and consume zoanthids and button polyps from live coral in the tank. Typically, this occurs when the tank is empty of naturally occurring algae or when the foxface rabbitfish is unused to algae pellets. The rabbitfish possesses a large stomach, intended for hours of algae-grazing in the wild, and will quickly turn to coral when hungry. If provided with enough algae, however, the foxface rabbitfish will leave live coral alone.
Nori
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Nori is a cost-effective solution to feeding your foxface rabbitfish. When naturally occurring algae in the tank is gone, you can provide sheets of nori, or dried seaweed for the foxface rabbitfish to graze upon. Select nori, which can be found at pet stores, most grocery stores and online aquarist shops, that does not have added salt or flavorings, as this could be harmful to foxface rabbitfish. Feed foxface rabbitfish by clipping a sheet of nori with an aquarium-safe vegetable clip, by attaching the nori sheet around a rock with a rubber band, or by releasing small pieces of the nori into the water column.
Supplemental Food
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In addition to feeding naturally occurring algae, algae pellets and nori, you can supplement your foxface rabbitfish's diet. Place ends of leafy vegetables such as lettuce or spinach into the tank using a vegetable clip; let small pieces of zucchini or broccoli sink to the bottom; or add a veggie flake food at feeding time. The foxface rabbitfish readily eats mysis shrimp or brine shrimp; be sure not to rely too much on supplemental food, however, and keep plenty of algae and macroalgae options available.
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Diet of a Foxface Rabbitfish
Popular with marine aquarists, the foxface rabbitfish (Siganus vulpinus), also known as the foxface Lo, is native to coral reefs of the western Pacific ocean. The foxface rabbitfish is relatively large for a saltwater aquarium species, reaching a length of just under a foot. He sports a bright yellow body and a long, tubular mouth he uses to pick algae and vegetation out of coral crevices.