blue tangs spine

[weezer591]

i read somewhere that blue tans fins on top are venomos, anyone have any other info on them?

 

[dogstar]

I have never heard that before.....

 

[mattp098]

are you referring to the Blue Regal or Hippo Tang?

 

[weezer591]

This species has a blade on both sides of the caudal peduncle (glossary) and venomous fin spines.
thats what i read

 

[fedukeford]

Im pretty sure it isnt venomus, its just a really sharp spike

 

[anonome]

Not venomous, just used for protection and to establish dominance. The rabbitfishes have venomous spines on their dorsal fins.

 

[gnorman]

now im no expert but this might answer your question... considering this information is coming from the website of the biggest aquarium in the world
http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/anima...rgeonfish.aspx

 

[anonome]

Interesting article...I have never heard the spine being referred as venomous. I will look into this also.

 

[weezer591]

for such a pretty fish, sounds like it would hurt!

 

[anonome]

I honestly believe this info to be wrong. Tangs do not have venomous spines, just extremly sharp ones that often will cause infection if not attended to immediately. Check with WetWebMedia.com this is Bob Fenner's web site...excellent source of info.

 

[gnorman]

i dont think they are venomous either but you got to wonder when the Georgia aquariums website says they are

 

[dragonzim]

That's the first place I've ever seen that said that they were venomous...

 

[madman33]

i seriously doubt they are venomous...i have been cut and it didnt swell up or anything just acted like a normal cut...

 

[dragonzim]

Originally Posted by Madman33
i seriously doubt they are venomous...i have been cut and it didnt swell up or anything just acted like a normal cut...
How bad was it? Just curious really.....