For all the times that the aquarium hobby is cited for its ability to put the mind at ease, there are certainly a number of hidden surprises that can have quite the opposite effect. Those of the biological nature – an offensive by the animals we care for – tend to catch us off guard during our day-to-day duties. It is often the most beautiful among our livestock that can inflict the greatest pain, although many others are much more subtle in appearance.
Numerous species of fish are known to be venomous (over 1200 by recent counts!), though many are not greatly so, and only a select few ever make it into the aquarium trade. Our prime suspects are coral catfish (Plotosus lineatus), rabbitfishes and foxfaces (Siganidae), lionfishes (Pterois and Dendrochirus) and other scorpionfishes (Scorpaenidae), stonefishes (Synanceiidae), and the stingrays (various Myliobatiformes); these are the most commonly encountered forms, and likely the most risky in terms of envenomation.
For the most part, venomous fishes will not seek you out to cause harm. The majority of envenomations occur in high-stress situations; during tank maintenance or when moving fish, for example. It always pays off to be fully cognisant of the whereabouts of your fish when your hands are in the tank, and when handling, to wear appropriate protective equipment. In many cases, it is better to round up spiny and venomous animals with a solid container rather than risking entanglement in a net.
Fortunately treatment is similar across most taxa, although some people may be more sensitive than others. It is recommended to seek medical attention after a sting event, especially to ensure that the wound is cleaned and disinfected properly. Stingrays can cause large, deep wounds with embedded material, while stonefish venom is quite literally life-threatening; both require immediate medical consultation.
The puncture site should be cleaned as thoroughly as possible; this can help flush out some of the venom as well as reduce risk of subsequent infection (aquariums are, unfortunately, bacteria hotspots). Then, prepare a bucket or bath of hot water. Fish venoms are proteins, rendering them susceptible to degradation at high temperatures. Besides (at least partially) dealing with the venom, the heat offers some degree of pain relief – something that you soon realize once you remove the heat source! Although various absolute temperatures are thrown around, perhaps the most sensible advice is to immerse the afflicted region in water as warm as the patient can handle. It’s not good further burning the poor aquarist who is already having a bad day.
Most stings occur on the extremities of the limbs, which makes immersion relatively simple. More proximate puncture sites – upper limbs or on the torso – should be considered more dangerous and urgent. Until such time a medical practitioner can assist you, utilize warm compresses on the area, again as warm as the patient will tolerate.
It’s worth pointing out that envenomations are generally quite rare among careful fishkeepers, but it always pays off to be prepared for such an event. Stay safe!
Author: Timothy Smith (read Tim’s Bio HERE)
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