Fox Face fish

**Cliff** · 09-01-2010, 10:01 PM

Has anyone kept these before ?

I’ve been doing a little research on SW fish that would be good fit for a reef set-up. The main tank will likely be a 55 gallon for the first two years then up-graded to a 75 reef. I might start off with a 75 gallon first, but at the least the main tank will be a 55 gallon. I’m starting with the fish first (a FOWLR set-up) and later adding compatible coral. So far I’m thinking of a pair of clowns, two or three blennies, and one or two gobbies.

I would also like one fox face fish. I’ve been unable to find any consistent info on estimated tank size for these guys. From what I found, they can get from 4 to 8 inches in size. I know, I know, I should not be shocked at conflicting information on the internet but it can be a little frustrating at times.

Has anyone kept to Fox Face in a reef set-up before? How big is this fish likely to get ?

I’m trying to determine if I could keep a fox face in a 55 gallon reef.

Any advice is welcome, thanks

**Pleco380** · 09-01-2010, 10:32 PM

I don't personally have any SW tanks but the guy I bought my FW 80g from had another 80g but SW. He had a foxface that he said he got a week before and the foxface always hid in the corner. He was only about 4". There was also some shrimp, a sailfin tang and a blenny in the tank. I'm not sure how the foxface is doing now. I'm not sure if it was a reef tank though. That probably wasn't much help but that's what I've seen.

**labnjab** · 09-01-2010, 11:39 PM

We have had a foxface in our 75 gallon since January. Its an awesome addition. Colorful, active, and will eat hair algae as well as pellets and frozen food. Almost everyone locally has one in their larger tanks or plans to get one. He also gets along with everyone. I wouldn't put them in anything smaller then a 75, and a 5 or 6 foot long tank is best. Its not so much how large they get but how active they are. Ours is around 5-6 inches (they get 8-10) constantly swims around. We have plans to get a larger tank for him in the future.

They do turn dark when stressed or at night when sleeping. The biggest thing to keep in mind and another reason to keep them in a 75 gallon or larger is their spines are venomous. One sting and you'll be in a lot of pain for a several hours. They can also be too friendly to you and want to try and rub against your hand

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**Cliff** · 09-01-2010, 11:45 PM

Thanks Labnjab

Although I really really want one, I'll wait unless I start off with a 75 gallon.

Thanks again

**harpua2002** · 09-01-2010, 11:48 PM

I don't think a 55 is large enough to house an adult foxface, but 75 might be ok. I doubt that you'd have any trouble if you started out with a small specimen, since you are planning an upgrade. I guess I just don't quite understand the point of starting in a 55 with plans to upgrade to a 75. There's certainly nothing wrong with doing it that way, but it's going to be a lot cheaper and easier in the long run to just start with the 75.