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
Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.
