Sohal tang got me - he's venomous for sure

[Winwood]

I remember reading somewhere that sohal tangs may actually be one of the few exceptions to the surgeonfish family that may actually be venomous.

Here is a site referencing the possibility
http://www.seascapestudio.net/reference/fish.php?id=12

 

[billsreef]

I remember reading somewhere that sohal tangs may actually be one of the few exceptions to the surgeonfish family that may actually be venomous.

Here is a site referencing the possibility
http://www.seascapestudio.net/reference/fish.php?id=12

Note the absolute lack of any references to support that conjecture.

 

[Winwood]

Note the absolute lack of any references to support that conjecture.

It was a quick search just to add to the fact I wasn't just making it up. I can't remember where I read it originally, but it was a long time ago which could have Aquarium Fish Magazine. I remember it sticking in my mind because it was nothing like what I'd heard or read before. I'm not arguing for or against, just saying that there is some standing for the idea.

 

[Winwood]

Here is another reference, it's not a scientific paper on the subject but does demonstrate the idea is atleast somewhat prevalent.
http://aquaristmagazine.com/living-dangerously-venom-marine-aquarium/

 

[billsreef]

The key word in that article is "perceived". Yes, there are people that do perceive tangs as having venom associated with their caudal spines. However, in this case the perception is not reality.

 

[ginpang]

Well ... Whatever you were describing was exactly what I've experienced with a rabbitifsh sting from first dorsal Ray and volitan 2 nd dorsal ... Both times like a paper cut that progressively hurt more had to run my hand under hot water for about 50 minutes to dissipate the pain by breaking down the venom's protein.

Sounds like this hypothesis is a realistic one!

 

[billsreef]

Sounds like this hypothesis is a realistic one!

Except for the absolute lack of any venom producing glands in tangs

 

[Winwood]

Another book citing venom in juvenile surgeonfish
https://books.google.com/books?id=Y...=onepage&q=venom gland in surgeonfish&f=false

 

[Winwood]

And another that cites the scalpel is attached to a venom gland in certain species.
https://books.google.com/books?id=q...=onepage&q=venom gland in surgeonfish&f=false

 

[Winwood]

Another cite listing paracanthurus as having a venom gland
http://www.waza.org/en/zoo/pick-a-picture/paracanthurus-hepatus

 

[ekovalsky]

I'm a physician and know the difference between a dirty cut and being envenomated. Whether it is toxic slime or venom, he has something poisonous on/in his blade. Pain about 1000x out of proportion to the injury and massive swelling that develops within minutes is most definitely not related to bacterial or other pathogens in the tank water. I've been cut by coral and rock dozens of times and never experienced anything like this.

I used thick gloves for a while. Fortunately he seems to have lost interest in attacking me, other than occasional biting or trying to graze my arm hair. He's mostly stopped pestering my corals too, other than one acan he likes to knock over. So I'm glad I kept him. His 10th birthday is not too far off.

 

[ekovalsky]

Here's a pic of him

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[Dmorty217]

Here's a pic of him

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Absolutely stunning fish, this is why people put up with their crap!

 

[jbvdhp]

Here's a pic of him

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Funny you mention the arm hair. Mine definitely nips my arm hair. Lol

 

[ekovalsky]

He definitely likes human hair algae! Here's a better pic, posted the blurry one before.

The male mento is huge by the way, well over 10". He's a gentle giant though, his girlfriend is smaller but a little more aggressive. These triggers have been 100% reef safe - no issues with any sessile or mobile inverts including two fire and four skunk cleaner shrimp, snails, and crabs. They are truly wonderful reef fish.

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[harley3ky]

He definitely likes human hair algae! Here's a better pic, posted the blurry one before.

The male mento is huge by the way, well over 10". He's a gentle giant though, his girlfriend is smaller but a little more aggressive. These triggers have been 100% reef safe - no issues with any sessile or mobile inverts including two fire and four skunk cleaner shrimp, snails, and crabs. They are truly wonderful reef fish.

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WOW! This is a stunning fish. Sorry to hear he got you.

 

[btb72]

What is the bowl for?

 

[ekovalsky]

What is the bowl for?

The sohal... he won't leave that acan alone :strange:
Fortunately he has mostly stopped picking on the other corals.

He is generally tolerant of the other fishes, except for the naso that he still randomly terrorizes for no reason. The naso is half his size but much more adept at using her blades and puts him in his place every time lol. He will chase the female mento, but only when she tries to steal 'his' food in the algae grazer. He also rarely chases the poor midas blenny for absolutely no reason. To his credit, he has never killed or injured another fish.

 

[snorvich]

To his credit, he has never killed or injured another fish.

Yet.

 

[Acrononomus]

Any pics of hand ?