Foxface

[Willie_6]

I just added a foxface to my tank. This so called nice community fish took a aggressive approach to my other fish. He took a couple shots at them. He had his fins all out. I am hoping he calms down. Anyone have a foxface and have had this same issue?

As for their poisenous fins. How concerned should I be for my safety? Is their poisen that bad?

 

[ovrmyhdagn]

I had a one spot foxface that was very placid, never a problem. Then I got a magnificent foxface (after the one spots untimely death) that was a little more aggressive, but calmed down.

The most often used term to describe the foxface venom is "bee sting."

 

[sjm817]

Foxface are very timid, peaceful fish. Give him a chance to get used to things.

 

[SaltyMember]

My foxface is very peaceful but he will extend his spines and use his tail to brush away other fish at feeding time.

 

[smcnally]

Sticking their fins out is more of a sign of fear than agression with these fish. They are very timid and very fearful of other fish. Mine took about a month to finally settle in in my tank. Be very careful when you feed and clean your tank as the quick movements can startle and really freak out a foxface. Also, just FYI in case you didn't know...Their spines are venomous and not only hurt real bad if you get poked by them, but can put you in the hospital (or even kill you) if you have an allergic reaction to it.

 

[smcnally]

I just read your sig, and having a scooter blennie and a mandarin in a new 75 is a bad idea unless you have a large fuge (or they are eating frozen of course).

 

[rhino509]

i agree with the earlier posts,the foxface prolly just needs a little time to settle in all the way,if he does act a little aggressive at first,prolly just scared,making sure nothings gonna happen to him,but yes they will be very community oriented,my foxface and flame angel graze together,its like they help each other find good tasting food,kinda funnt actually,but good luck with your foxface

keith

 

[tkeracer619]

His tank was started Feb of 05.

Just needs to update his profile. :lol:

Im always carefull around my foxface but he is calm and is not to be seen when my arm is in the tank.

 

[lifesworksataol]

i bet those manderins are fat

 

[StephM33]

Not only is our Foxface completely placid, he is a real scaredy cat. He quite regularly camoflauges himself when we make sudden moves around the tank (it's viewable from all sides) or when cleaning it. We had no idea they could change their colours so quickly. He's a lot better than he used to be, but is still a skittish fish even though he's the largest by far in the tank. I'd say watch and give it some time.

Good luck!
Steph

 

[jdm01]

the foxface will calm down. i have my hands in the tank frequently. I usually runs and hids in the rockwork. It will settle down over time. I have had mine for a few months now and never been stung once. I think I would have to really try to get stung by mine.

 

[smcnally]

Mine comes up to my hand when I'm putting Nori in the tank now. But I just worry that he'll get spooked by another fish and accidentally poke me.

 

[Willie_6]

Do you wear any gloves when you put your hand in your tank? I am thinking this may be a good idea.

My new fish is doing well. He has almost eliminated my chalurpa (sp?) in 2 days. This guy can mow some algae!! He seems to be doing better with his tank mates. He still does throw out his fins every once in a while. My other fish still seem a little cautious around him. I will try to post some pictures soon.

 

[smcnally]

I don't wear gloves, but I keep an eye on him when my hands are in there

 

[andrewsmart]

i have had mine for 18 months now and she is always flicking his spines at the other fish.

she has never done any harm it is just a warning.

 

[JENnKerry]

All of the above.

 

[Willie_6]

What do you guys feed your foxface? Mine has pretty much wiped out my calurpa. I need something to feed this guy. Unfortanantly he hides when I do my feedings, so I do not know if he gets much food.

 

[Michelle L]

Mine destroys nori seaweed sheets like you can't imagine. We nicknamed ours "Bessie," because he just sits and grazes on the nori like a big fat cow. He looks like a football, I swear.

 

[bigjackstud]

Mine has done more bad than good. He killed my true cleaner wrasse. Stuck him with his spines and rode him around the tank for awhile. I qt him and the poison slowly killed him. He eats everything it seems! I can't wait to catch the B_____D! Never again! True they are supposed to be timid, but i got a frigon loonatic! My luck...

 

[King Nine]

I have a very new reef tank I'm setting up. I would like a fox face but don't know how reef safe they are. So far I only have two convict blennies and one carpenter fairy wrasse in the way of fish. I had a six line wrasse that didn't make it. I think he didn't get along with the carpenter wrasse at all. I'm waiting a few more days for the tank to settle some more before adding anything else.