Canreef Aquatics Bulletin Board - looking for foxface info

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looking for foxface info

So does anyone know how dangerous ? The spines are on this fish I know it states "venomous" on some web sites. How much though ? not that I want to find out. Has anyone been hit by the spine of this fish ? Just thought it would be good to know for myself and others.

Hurts more than a Lionfish sting, or so I'm told.

I keep a Foxface Rabbitfish, and it's not an aggressive fish at all. At first, I was hitting my head against the wall wondering why I got a venomous fish, but this little guy has proven to be one of my most active fish with no hints of aggression.

Bottom line: even though it's a painful sting, I haven't heard anyone get hit by one before.

You can find some information if you google it. There's not alot of official information about the sting, but there are some reefer testimonies. Here's one:

Quote:

This is for those who do not know. The Foxface is a poisonous fish. Not by bite but by a prick of the fins. About a week and a half ago I got tagged by mine. It hurt like hell. I've been stung by Lion fish too but this seemed to be worse.

I equate the sting of the Foxface to when I got bit by a 4 to 5 foot moray eel. I know they are not poisonous but with the structure of their teeth they sure pack a wallop. The result of the sting lasted about 4 hours where the Lion fish was ok within the hour and the Foxface was only about 2 inches long. The mark on my arm also lasted about a week.

Just trying to point out to pay attention while cleaning unlike I did. If you don't you'll see why you should have.

Hi, my foxface slammed my hand with its spikes when I was trying to catch him and the rest of my fish to quarantine a couple months back. It stung for like 2 minutes then went numb for another 2 min. Then went away. I had a cut on my hand already when he got me and I think thats the only reason it stung me. I dont think his spines peirce skin as Its never happed again handling him in a net or moving junk around the tank when he has bumped into me.

thanks for the info
I just thought it would be nice for other to know too.

I got nailed by my Foxface this morning

I was vacuuming the substrate in my tank this morning and my Foxface got spooked and panicked. At this point I decided I best get my hand out of the tank but the fish actually jumped out of the water at the same time as I pulled my hand out and nailed me with one of its spines (talk about a freak accident). Anyways, it felt exactly like a wasp sting and stung and tingled for about a half an hour but I have never been one to be affected by a wasp sting very much . I also had a little bit of swelling where the spine poked me but I don't think it pierced the skin much. Not something I would want to have happen again but it didn't seam to be too serious.