Ocular Examination Findings in Clinically-Healthy Aged Rockfish (Genus: Sebastes) Under Managed Care.

Aged captive rockfish show universal corneal fibrosis and age-related cataracts with lower intraocular pressures than other teleosts.

This observational study examined ocular findings in eight clinically-healthy aged captive rockfish (Sebastes species) at the Steinhart Aquarium. Fish underwent comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation including physical examination, radiography, phlebotomy, and ocular ultrasonography. The study documented that rockfish possess ocular anatomy consistent with other teleosts but demonstrated notably lower mean intraocular pressures (3.1 ± 0.8 mm Hg) compared to previously reported teleost values. All examined fish exhibited at least one ocular abnormality, with corneal fibrosis observed in 100% of cases, cataracts in 67%, and lenticular sclerosis in 44%. Age-related ocular changes, particularly incipient cataracts and lenticular sclerosis, were the most prevalent findings. The universal presence of corneal fibrosis evidence suggests prior corneal trauma, consistent with the documented high incidence of ocular trauma in bony fish species. The reduced intraocular pressures may reflect age-related decline similar to other species, though species-specific physiological differences cannot be excluded. These findings contribute to understanding normal aging processes in managed rockfish populations.

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