Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 9th January 2015
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Fake eye for bullied fish
fish surgery
Vets attached a taxidermy eye using nylon sutures and titanium clips.

US vets perform surgery to prevent bullying

A one-eyed fish has undergone surgery to attach a new prosthetic eye to stop it being bullied by other fish.

The copper rockfish had to have one of its eyes removed when it developed cataracts, but other fish began to show aggression towards it.

Dr Martin Haulena, head vet at the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, used a taxidermy eye to replace the real eye.

Working alongside Dr Lesanna Lahner, Seattle Aquarium's head vet, Dr Haulena attached a taxidermy eye to the bone above the eye socket using nylon sutures and titanium clips.

According to Vancouver Aquarium, the surgery was successful in preventing the bullying behaviour and the rockfish is once again on display at the centre.

The surgery had never been performed at the aquarium before, but a yellowtail rockfish has since undergone the same procedure.

To watch the video of the surgery, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og70cLV04uo

Image ©Vancouver Aquarium/Danny Kent

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Submissions open for BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026

News Story 1
 The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.

It is an opportunity for applicants to present new research on any veterinary subject, such as the preliminary results of a study, discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.

They must be based on high-quality clinical research conducted in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words.

Applications are welcome from vets, vet nurses, practice managers, and students.

Submissions are open until 6 March 2026. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk