Rhinopias question

[Stumped]

I know there's a bunch of you (Frank, namxas, etc.) out there that have experience keeping these fish, and I'm toying around with the idea of getting one (or at least beginning the search for a reasonably priced one). Anyway I have zero experience with scorpionfish and as such have a few questions.

The first question which I can't find a definitive answer for is two part. How risky are they with regard to getting stung. I'm aware it's a passive mechanism, but I mean are we talking about you having to swat one like a fly, or would simply brushing up against them be enough. The second part of that is how severe is the sting from them. I'll hold off on more questions until I know the answer to those so I don't waste anyone's time.

I entirely blame this on the influx of scorp-related posts on RC lately.

 

[AlexS95]

(or at least beginning the search for a reasonably priced one).

NYAquatics has this one for $299.95, but I'm not sure if that's a good price or not.

 

[rayn]

I'm not sure on rhinos, but if they are like the others you have to press the issue. If you are smart and figure out where they are BEFORE putting your hand in the tank you should be good. All my stingy predators generally stay put and I work around or they move away from me.

 

[Stumped]

NYAquatics has this one for $299.95, but I'm not sure if that's a good price or not.

Good eye, I noticed that one as well. Not making any moves on getting one just yet, still need to hear back regarding how potent they are.

 

[iamwrasseman]

yes they have quite a sting but it wont take your life unless you allergic to the venom just like a bee sting . also you have to try pretty hard to get stung as i have had a few and was constantly messing with them hand feeding,petting etc and have never been stung . you have to try pretty hard or really have them freak out and smash into your hand . their "stingers "are mostly on their upper body and they are designed to sting while they are being eaten to save their lives .in captivity mine have became very docile and i have never had a problem with their stinging .
without this being said you should keep your eye on them while your in the tank . i worry about my Morey eels much more than my rino's as far as getting hurt . life is short ,live it !

 

[silentcivilian]

Also, just take note of first aid precautions. If I get stung by my stonefish, as I live in southern alberta and the closest anti-venom is Texas, im on my own really. I had to call our health link line and enquire about it. But first aid for a stonefish is simple really, drag you sorry butt to a bathtub, fill with hot water over 45 degrees Celcius and hold tight.. medic will arrive and give me pain medication and anything if im having a reaction beyond that of the stonefish venom, but they just monitor vitals as I soak in heat... hoping it never comes to that, but teach me to own a fish with deadly venom in a country that doesnt naturally host them right ;P

 

[namxas]

That's a nice-looking R. frondosa at NYA.

As for stinging, the dorsal spines on a Rhinopias are long and pretty flexible, which makes getting poked by them a bit less likely. You'd have to try pretty darned hard to get popped by a Rhino. Also, these fish are one of the least toxic of the Scorpaeniformes, their sting being a bit less toxic than a lionfish.

These fish are quite docile, and to be honest, are sometimes tuff to get to move out of the way while working in the tank. In fact, one of our frondosas was so docile, I used to gently lift it out of my way with a couple of fingers just in front of its anal fins (not recommended, obviously).

That being said, the only time I've ever been "warned off" was by our R. eschmeyeri when I got a bit too close for its liking with a scrub pad. Note how it flares its fins and points its spines in the "attacker's" direction.

 

[Stumped]

Thanks for the replies. I obviously don't plan on getting stung, but I'd end up passing on the idea entirely if there was some significant risk of being stung and or the sting being severe.