livtoride4lk

Hi - I am new to SW tanks. my current SW tank is 37gal, 9 mos old. everything seems to be doing well. except when I started adding fish, they all seem to be doing fine except my One Spot Foxface Rabbit, I am currently on my second one (the first died unexpectedly), and I am not sure what I am doing wrong for it. It keeps my tank sparkling clean, I feed it a variety of foods and eats everything I put in. The problem is that it is usually varying shades of white & brown (as was its predecessor).

Current tank mates:
1 clown
1 pink spotted sand goby
2 yellow tail damselfish
1 wrasse
assorted crabs, snails, & 3 shrimp

fishrule101

Foxface rabbitfish need way more than a 37 gal. They need at least a 75. That could be the problem.

cerianthus

They can go thru changes in shades depending on their mood. When spook suddenly, can even turn its color/shade. If dark shades persist, may take that as sign of problem.
When shades changes in dark and in light, would'nt worry too much, IMO.

Although I agree that fishes should be in larger tank, it may be difficult for most hobbyist. If really conscious about the space we give the fish, then we should leave the fish in their natural biotope.
I've seen fishes fare lot better in smaller aquarium due to devotion given by owner and seen fishes waste away in much larger tank due to irresponsible owner.

I really don't go by fish rule since there is no such thing. If there is one, i will use as guideline. I think this issues should be left to resposibility of individual hobbyist, IMHumble O.

livtoride4lk

hi - thanks for the responses, I agree he may be in too small of a space, but I did notice that when he didn't see anyone around the tank he returns to his normal yellow.
I am surprised that the LFS that I go to didn't tell me that, they are usually very responsible about the fish & their customers. They have steered me away from other fish because of the size of my tank. Anyway I am doing my best to keep the fish happy & healthy, and I am learning more every day.
peace ~ lk

soldieroffortune1974

The rabbitfish species change color to brown (on their faces)when they are under stress. Their fins contain poisonous spines.The brown coloring acts like camouflage and hides their face,while the spines take care of any aggressor,if they attempt to bite them. If your foxface rabbitfish is changing colors constantly,means it's under some type of stress and not happy.