Mag Foxface... Just how dangerous?

[Blitzburggirl]

This... is Spikes.

Myson named him Spikes because of all the pretty pretty spikes that make him Magnificent.

Spikes is a pretty fish, doesn't get into any trouble, and, while, is a bit big for my tank in my opinion, is probably one of the prettiest fish around

Here is the problem. Spikes is very, very friendly. And, he likes algae. Believe it or not.

When I clean my tank glass, which I do with a Kent pro-scraper, he follows me around like a puppy dog, munching on any algae that he can catch. Doesn't sound like a bad gig, does it? Problem is, his fins are always up, displayed. And, he is not in anyway intimidated by my hand. So, he is dangerously close at all times while I'm cleaning the glass. We've bumped one another multiple times.

This is my son's favorite fish, and, like I said, he's a model citizen. I'm just a tad bit afraid of an ED visit. I've tried feeding first, then cleaning the glass, but, that doesn't help, he just loves me more.

Do these guys immediately poke with venom, even inadvertantly? Or does he have to get riled up first? I wouldn't be as worried if he had to be riled up. If he does poke me... is it uncomfortable nasty, or is on the way to the ED now? Annnnnnnnd has anyone else dealt with an overly friendly foxface?????????????

 

[namxas]

If you happen to put your hand on its dorsal spines, you'll get envenomated. It's a passive process, not one the fish controls.

Foxfaces and Rabbitfish are fairly low on the totem pole when it comes to venom toxicity, but it will hurt. Putting the affected area in hot water (not scalding) will denature the heat-labile proteins in the venom, and will ease the pain. As with any puncture wound, you should be sure your tetanus booster is up to date, and check the wound for any pieces of spine, which could cause more trouble than the venom (infection).

That being said, your foxface is just like most of them once they get used to you. They will eat from your hand given the chance, and often don't mind being petted (not on the spines, of course!). To be honest, your fish is probably begging and/or waiting to see what tasty treats you scare up or knock loose while you work.

 

[snorvich]

Good advice from namxas. Basically, your fish is taking advantage of the fact you are providing free food that requires little/no work. Very pretty fish too!

 

[Mandragen]

yes very cool indeed, where abouts did you find spikes? I was thinking about getting one myself. Just can't decide if I want to pay that much for one yet. Got a picture with the lights on?

 

[Amazon4]

That's too funny. We have a scribbled rabbitfish (doliatus) and he earned the name Spike. What a coincedence!

He is extremely friendly to us - scared of people he doesn't know. He will go hide if a stranger approaches. So they do learn who we are

He eats from our fingers, the turkey baster, nori clip, etc. If our hands are in the tank, he is there.

I did get "stung" once inadvertantly by just bumping in to him. It hurt like a hearty bee sting for about 10-15 minutes. I ran it under hot water for a few minutes. It subsided.

I think his "bite" when he feeds aggressively from me is more of a concern than his sting. That beak/mouth er whatever is pretty sharp.

 

[Blitzburggirl]

Thanks guys!!!!!! I soooo appreciate the feedback and thorough replies!!

And of course the compliments

namxas: I also posted this question on a local board, with nowhere near the vast diversity of experiences available. Do you mind if I paraphrase your response on there to share with others?

Snorvich: Thank you!!! It's always good when 2 people agree on an answer

Mandagen: He is an awesome fish!! I bought him from a local reefer that had him for over 2 years. I've had him since early summer. He was in a 90, and he still looks huge in my 180. He's about 7+ inches. This fish grows large!!! This pic actually is lights on I use 20k bulbs. EVC's in the picture.

 

[Wolverine]

In addition to what namxas already said, I'd also say that when in doubt, get a gloves. They're not foolproof, but the fish has to hit you pretty hard to get all the way through them.

 

[namxas]

namxas: I also posted this question on a local board, with nowhere near the vast diversity of experiences available. Do you mind if I paraphrase your response on there to share with others?

Please feel free...this hobby is all about helping/learning from each other. Our foxface was one of our favorite fish, and it did indeed eat from a baster, clip, fingers. Your specimen is a real looker and is well adjusted.

FWIW, I've kept venomous fish for 20 years, and now keep them almost exclusively, and I've never been stung. We even just moved over 20 specimens of Scorpaeniformes 6 miles with no mishaps. It's all about respecting the fish.