Fox Face

[NewFishGirl]

So, what's the deal with the foxface rabbitfish being venemous? Does that mean if you have one you can't put your hands in the tank? Can you die from one?

I love these fish, they are so beautiful and cute. I was hoping to get one when we upgrade to a 90 gallon in a few years.

[1spotpooalot]

I had one (check the user name) for 2+years. I would not randomly stick my hand in the tank because they are quite skittish even for a sizable fish. They could actually sting you out of fear more than aggressiveness.

If you get stung...the first thing that goes is your sanity...then your feet melt...(just kidding). Ive never actually been stung but I hear the range can be from a Be sting effect to an allergic reaction that isa bit more severe...but I never heard of anyone getting terrbly hurt

[racerw]

I have a pair and they do not seem to mind when I put my hand in the tank. If anything they will move to a different part of the tank.

[Kevin1000]

While fox faces may have have barbs that can give you a "bee stink" type injury - they are pretty mellow fish and some aquarist hand feed them. Like most things in life use a bit of common sense and you should be fine.

[Ronjunior]

Originally Posted by Kevin1000

Like most things in life use a bit of common sense and you should be fine.

Yeah, like when I helped a fellow member swap tanks a few weeks ago, I grabbed his powder blue with my bare hands like I usually do. I forgot about that tail. Of course places like Dr. Foster and Smith have warnings that surgeon fish "MAY be venomous. I can't wait to get a scribbled rabbit some day, just have to remember to wear gloves.

[Sun-n-Fun]

Originally Posted by Kevin1000

they are pretty mellow fish and some aquarist hand feed them.

I'm one that routinely hand feeds mine - they can be a little skittish and caution should still be exercised, but IMO you are FAR more likely to get stuck by accident than by intention. At the risk of stealing your thread, you might be interested in the previous thread:
http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/sh...ght=fish+smart

[crvz]

I wouldnt let it hinder you from getting one. I've had mine for about a year now, and he's very dosile. By no means would he attack me with the barbs, but you just need to make certain you're not going to startle him. Like others have said, it's an injury like a bee or wasp sting, maybe a little more potent, and really only a concern if you have some time of allergic reaction to it.

[dobejazz]

I hate to even mention it but they can sometimes eat coral at least my one spot does. I have horrible luck with fish though the evil ones seem to love me

[crvz]

Originally Posted by dobejazz

I hate to even mention it but they can sometimes eat coral at least my one spot does. I have horrible luck with fish though the evil ones seem to love me

Yep, I've heard that too. Particularly with zoanthids, they can be real pest.

[Hop]

I thought that when I got mine as far as venomous... I've had him for about 3-4 years and never been stung. I am careful when I move stuff around or wear gloves. Their sting is like a bee sting and running it under warm water will help alleviate the pain. FWIW mine never to my knowledge, nipped at any corals.

[seasalt dreams]

I love mine, and they wont sting you unless you try to grab it, which you should not be doing anyways . You can hand feed them, they will not intentionally sting you. They are much like a bee.

[Ronjunior]

Much like a Bee? That sucks, last time I got stung by bees it sent me to the emergency room. Giving myself a shot in the leg sucked too, but didn't even think it went it, I didn't even feel it....I know, what a wimp

[Hop]

Originally Posted by Ronjunior

Much like a Bee? That sucks, last time I got stung by bees it sent me to the emergency room. Giving myself a shot in the leg sucked too, but didn't even think it went it, I didn't even feel it....I know, what a wimp

LOL. Same here! Nothing like carrying an epipen all summer in your pocket

Just like a bee though, the first sting from a FF will be just discomfort. if you have an allergic reaction, it will be the second sting... And by then I *hope* you have learned not to grab the FF like a soda

[seasalt dreams]

haha yep, exactly.... and like a bee, if you are allergic, you will find yourself in the hospital getting shots again ... so if you are allergic to bees, dont piss of your FF

[tellycoleman]

my clown has bit me 100 times more than my foxface.
clown = 100+
foxface = 0