Cloudy eyes on new Foxface

NCK · Oct 10, 2020

Good morning, everyone!

I got a Foxface in the mail yesterday! He’s a little thin, but already nipping at food in QT. Looks pretty good overall, with the exception of some eye cloudiness. Not sure how concerned I should be. Don’t want to rush into anything.

I usually start prophylactic copper 24-48 hours after receiving new fish if all looks good. Should I delay that in this case? Any thoughts on cloudy eyes on an otherwise OK-looking specimen? Maybe I’m overreacting...

Qasimja · Oct 10, 2020

are you sure his eyes are cloudy? my foxface sometimes looks like his eyes are cloudy depending on the light hitting his eyes

NCK · Oct 10, 2020

Funny you say that. I thought I was losing my mind, but when he was on the other side of the QT tank, I was thinking “oh it’s not so bad.”

So you might be right. Maybe just the way the light hits. First time I’ve had a Rabbitfish of any kind.

Jay Hemdal · Oct 10, 2020

Yes - the first thing you need to rule out is the normal rabbitfish eye haze/shine. This mostly involve the pupil, while true cloudiness will be less shiny and will usually involve the entire orbit of the eye. The distinction is critical because foxface are prone to flukes, which often show as cloudy eyes.

If you decide to do a 5 minute diagnostic FW dip, just remember that foxface have venomous spines.

Jay