Black foxface
A black rabbitfish endemic to Tonga's coral reefs.
The black foxface (Siganus niger) is a marine ray-finned fish, a type of rabbitfish found only in Tonga, in the western Pacific Ocean. Its scientific name *niger* means black, referring to its dark body color.
This species was scientifically described in 1990 by David J. Woodland, based on a specimen from Euakafa Island in Tonga’s Vava’u Group. It is sometimes grouped with four other “foxfaced” rabbitfishes in the subgenus *Lo*.
The black foxface has 13 spines and 10 soft rays in its dorsal fin, and 7 spines and 9 soft rays in its anal fin. It reaches a total length of 22 cm (8.7 in). Its body is almost entirely black, but the pectoral fins are yellow, and the edges of the soft-rayed parts of the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are also yellow. A broad white stripe on the gill cover is marked with a worm-like pattern.
The fish is endemic to Tonga, though it is common only in the northern Vava’u island group. It lives at depths of 2 to 15 m (6.6 to 49 ft), near drop-offs at coral reef edges. It prefers areas with staghorn or fire corals, and rubble mounds made of flat and staghorn corals.
Adults live in pairs, while juveniles are thought to school. They feed on macroalgae. When alarmed, they can change color and pattern. The spines in their fins produce venom, similar in composition to that of stonefishes, based on a study of a related species.
The black foxface appears in the aquarium trade and is also targeted by spear fishers, who sell the catch fresh.
Quick Facts
- Taxon
- Siganus niger
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The black foxface was first formally described in 1990 by the ichthyologist David J. Woodland, with the type locality given as Euakafa Island in the Vava'u Group of Tonga. It is sometimes placed with the other four species of 'foxfaced rabbitfishes' in a subgenus of the genus Siganus called Lo. The specific name niger means black, a reference to the dark colour of this species.
The black foxface, like almost all other rabbitfishes, has 13 spines and 10 soft rays in its dorsal fin and 7 spines and 9 soft rays in its anal fin. It grows to a total length of 22 cm. The overall colour is almost completely black, but the pectoral fins are yellow, as is the margin of the soft rayed part of the dorsal fin, the anal fin and the caudal fin. There is a broad white stripe on the gill cover which is overlain with a vermiculated pattern.
This species is endemic to Tonga, though it is only common in the northernmost Tongan island group of Vava'u. It is found at depths between 2 and 15 m in the vicinity of drop offs at the edges of coral reefs, showing a preference for areas with staghorn or fire corals and rubble mounds made up of flat and staghorn corals. Adults live in pairs, while juveniles are thought to school. It feeds on macroalgae and is known to change colour and pattern when alarmed. This species produces venom in the spines of its fins; a study of a congener found rabbitfish venom similar to that of stonefishes.
Reader's Guide
The black foxface is significant as a species endemic to Tonga, particularly the Vava'u island group, and is one of the 'foxfaced rabbitfishes' sometimes placed in the subgenus Lo. Its description in 1990 by David J. Woodland adds to the taxonomic understanding of the Siganidae family. The species is utilized in the aquarium trade and is also targeted by spear fishers, with the catch sold fresh. Its venomous fin spines, similar to those of stonefishes, are a notable biological trait. The black foxface's preference for specific coral habitats, such as staghorn and fire corals, and its color-changing behavior when alarmed, contribute to its ecological role on Tongan reefs. Its limited distribution and common occurrence only in northern Vava'u highlight its localized significance.
Did You Know?
- The black foxface is endemic to Tonga and is only common in the northernmost island group of Vava'u.
- It was first formally described in 1990 by ichthyologist David J. Woodland.
- The species produces venom in its fin spines, similar to the venom of stonefishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Black foxface?
The Black foxface is a small marine rabbitfish (Siganus niger) in the family Siganidae. It is a species found exclusively in the waters around Tonga in the western Pacific Ocean.
Where does the Black foxface live?
This rabbitfish is restricted to coral reefs in Tonga, with its type locality on Euakafa Island in the Vava'u Group. It typically occupies depths from about 2 to 15 meters.
How large does the Black foxface grow?
Adults reach a maximum total length of roughly 22 centimeters (about 8.7 inches), making it a modestly sized reef dweller. Its dorsal fin carries 13 spines and 10 soft rays, while the anal fin has 7 spines and 9 soft rays.
What does the species name 'niger' mean?
The epithet 'niger' is simply Latin for black, a straightforward reference to the fish's characteristically dark body coloration.
How is the Black foxface grouped among other rabbitfishes?
It is placed in the subgenus Lo together with four other 'foxfaced' Siganus species. The species was formally described in 1990 by David J. Woodland based on a single specimen from Tonga.
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