seahorses going blind from camera flashes?

[CNoonan]

I was breeding a few different species of seahorses years ago and I remember reading about seahorses going blind from people tanking photos of the tank, or near the tank.

I'm thinking of setting up another tank for seahorses and I feel that I would be extremely paranoid of someone taking a picture, using their flash, or anything related within the general area of the tank.

Is this true or has it be debunked in anyway?

 

[CNoonan]

Anyone?

Years ago I snapped a few pics of my seahorses and they were never the same, lost them all within the following days. Just trying to confirm. I've been told that their eyes are very weak and can't handle the flash.

 

[mtc1966]

i have read that the flash can damage eyes as well not sure were i read it though.

 

[amazo]

I never use a flash,usally just my cell phone camera,so I can't say but the awnser is simple don't let people take pics with a flash.

 

[mwilliams62]

I try to turn my flash off on my cell phone and camera when taking pictures of the tank because I always get that white spot on the pic when using the flash but it would make since if they have week eyes and the flash messes them up then they would not be able to see the food to eat and end up straving. My thoughts Only.

 

[ann83]

I turn off the flash, but I have never heard of a problem with seahorses and blindness from a flash. Some more fragile species like seadragons can be startled to the point of injuring or killing themselves from a number of things, including flash photography.

 

[namxas]

We never use a flash for aquarium pix in general. The photos come out MUCH better than flash photos, and you can shoot to your heart's content without scaring the fish. Rather than using a flash, use a tripod.

As for SH and flash photos, I agree with Ann83. Sensitive species can indeed be stressed to the point where it affects their health.

 

[CNoonan]

I agree that taking a picture of a tank comes out better with the flash off, but I am still paranoid. A picture could always be taken in the same room as my Seahorses, even if I'm not aware of it.