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FAQs about Pet-fishing & Human Health:
Envenomation Related
Articles: Wounds Articles, Moray
Eels Bite, But Are They Venomous? by Marco Lichtenberger,
Related FAQs: Petfishing and Human Health 1, Petfish
& Health 2, Petfishing & Human Health 3,
& FAQs on: Petfishing Concerns: Getting
Poked, Spined, Stuck, Bitten,
Poisoning (ingesting), Skin et al.
Contact, Companion Animal Involvement,
Troubleshooting/Fixing, Bacterial
Infections, Parasitic Cross Zoonoses,
Turn About's Fair Play...
Stingrays, |
Do you have "troubles" with stings per se? Allergen/allergic
reactions? You may have more trouble than others. |
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Infections in the skin from coral (dangers of SW sys.
keeping)
11/8/2009
Hello,
<Hi there>
I know these may simply be too gross to post, but if they can prevent
someone from undergoing what I've gone through, not once, but twice now,
I'd sure like to contribute them.
<I thank you for this. You will have saved many others great trouble>
My name is Renee, and I am a coral enthusiast and like most of us, I
heard some things about coral being poisonous, and how not to take much
of it to heart, that it's just over-stated to make us afraid, and -
well, let me just say that I am now much more cautious due to a couple
things that happened to me while reef-keeping, with varying degrees of
poisoning and illness.
#1: Longhorn Cowfish poisoning. It's not Tetratoxin, but it's called
Ostracitoxin.
<Yes... is an Ostraciid species (a boxfish), not a "true" puffer (family
Tetraodontidae)>
My fish was in a 10 gallon hospital tank. She had Ich, and passed on and
when she did, I noticed a slight foamy look to the water, so I slid it
to the sink to dump it, and as I did, the tank slipped, cut my finger on
the plastic liner to the bone and the water went inside of this open
wound while I poured it into the sink. I was completely unaware that
they carry toxin, as my pet store had told me that they were 100% safe
to keep in a reef.
<Mmm, not so>
He even said people over-react about the puffers being poison and
laughed it off when I had originally inquired.
I called the poison control center, and they told me that it could make
me ill, to be careful for 4 to 6 hours and if I showed any illness
signs, to call them back.
About 8 hours later, (way after poison control's time period), I began
heavily salivating to the point it was hard to swallow it. Mucous got
thick in my throat and I felt really dizzy. I vomited, and it passed,
and if it had not subsided, I'd have called 911. I forced water and
fluids for 24 hours and was fine.
Additionally: Poison control told me that a curator for the Shedd
Aquarium once poked himself with a dead blowfish spike (which was the
only case he could find like mine) and had a minor reaction.
<Reactions vary... akin to proteinaceous stings of social insects>
I thought I'd note that when I told the local store owner I had
purchased the fish from about the incident, he did not believe me.
<Reflex defensive mechanism>
#2: Foxface Rabbitfish : Ouch. I had him over a year. I took him out of
a fish trap he had accidentally gotten into and as I did, his fins went
between my thumb and forefinger, lightly brushing as he went into the
tank. Mind you, he did not poke my skin. He brushed it. IT BURNS. It
stung like an amplified bee-sting. My hand swelled...and I put it under
water, cleaned it and it wasn't bothering me an hour later, although I
hear they can truly poison you if they poke the skin...I am thankful
that mine was just a brush of fins and that I was not poked by one.
#3: The infections: Coral can bring with it some of the worst bacteria
known to man. Here is one small video and a few small photos of varying
infections caught after handling coral at my home.
The nose images may seem hard to believe, and the video of it, 2 weeks
later (still huge, but going down), as it heals is still hard to
believe.
Note: The nose.jpg photo is after the initial abscess was removed, after
the treatment was given and antibiotics administered, 6 days into the
infection. I had become very ill, and at one point, I had begun getting
weak and dizzy from the infection.
10dayslater.jpg is 10 days after initial onset of infection.
The video is about 2 weeks later...and you can see how it has
permanently damaged my noise now. I have a dent, a little hole and a
permanent tear in the nostril.
I had gone to my friend Josh's house, sat on his sofa, handled 3
containers of frags I got from him, itched my nose and by the time it
took me to drive 100 miles home, it had already begun itching severely.
Within 24 hours, it was a whopping 2.5" across and was unable to see
past my nose.
<Yeeikes!>
You cannot imagine the pain from this. Just think how it feels when you
get a blemish on/in the nose, let alone one that goes completely through
from the top to the inside.
The neck images (2, one prior to removal of abscess, one after): The
neck became infected when I handled coral and then scratched a blemish
lightly, after a hand wash. The physicians said I had not cleaned under
my nails thoroughly enough, and the bacteria (which I have never had
identified) had entered that way. Within 8 hours of touching my tank, it
was already swollen and inflamed. Within 5 days, it abscessed into a
huge abscess, which subsequently was excised. The remaining hole is what
is in the second image, and I am permanently scarred from this as well.
My point in sending this to you is to help prevent readers from
undergoing these same infections.
Cautions I now take:
1. Wear gloves.
2. Wash hands under hot soapy water when finished, being very sure to
scrub under the nails.
3. Read anything you can on fish before you handle them and check to
find out if they carry toxin. I had no clue my Foxfish was poisonous
till I was brushed by his fins.
Just be careful. We love our reefs, and fish and tanks, but the truth
is, they can be a dangerous place to play in and unless we use some
caution, know what we are fishing around in and are aware of potential
dangers, then we are blindly walking in an attack zone.
Use caution please.
Renee
<Again, many thanks for your sharing/caring. Bob Fenner>
|
 |
Re: Infections in the skin from
coral 11/8/2009
You are welcome, Bob. You are also more than welcome to use the images or
film to help people and to give them a healthy caution of the dangers
lurking in their tanks.
<Thank you Renee>
I found that in my local shops, there is a generalized dis-belief about the
dangers of reef-keeping.
<Yes... and though there is a bit of risk, I have optioned to post my more
dire (though not alarmist in my value system) warnings on WWM, in articles,
books>
3 local stores are still selling customers cow-fish, and right in front of
me, one week after I had been poisoned, just after I told him the story, the
owner told a customer to go ahead and buy the cowfish, that I had been
misguided and probably had the flu.
Renee
<!? Bizarre. BobF> |
Coral Catfish (Plotosidae)
Questions 6/25/2009
Hi,
<Hi.>
I just bought a coral catfish and I wanted to know your opinions on two
things if possible.
<Sure.>
1) How venomous are these guys on a scale of lionfish. More or less?
<I cannot cite sources, but anecdotal evidence suggests that they are
more venomous than Lionfish. Definitely not appropriate for a tank where
small children could get their hands in it.>
2) Do they have to be kept in schools?
<They do much better in groups of three or more Do read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/plotosid.htm and here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/woundvenomf.htm >
Thanks for reading this.
<My pleasure>
<MikeV>
Re: Coral Catfish
(Plotosidae): More questions about venom. 6/26/2009
Thanks again,
<No problem.>
I have one more question to clarify something, could they be fatal? I
read on one website that they could in rare cases. I am guessing that
these people probably had a severe allergic reaction to them, right?
<I've never read about any confirmed fatalities, I have read more than
one report of a trip to the hospital via ambulance from being stung by
them. Any venom has the potential to be fatal under the 'right'
circumstances, but yes, I would say that if someone was allergic, the
reaction to the venom would be much more severe and significantly raise
the potential to be fatal.>
<MikeV>
Good Snails, Bad Snails..
I know I
have had my share...
<Wow, sounds like the lyrics from "Cream" from a
sixties R & B adaptation! "If it weren't for bad snails, I wouldn't have
no snails at all....">
I have recently set up a 29g tank with 30lbs
of Marshall Island live rock. The tank has cycled and I am slowly adding
livestock. I have had a few hitchhiking snails on the rock. I call them
"checkerboard snails" due to their patterning. What are the chances of
these snails growing up to be a deadly seashell?
<Not likely at
all... almost zip>
Conus magnus or some such?
<Nah! Dangerous
conids are sand dwellers>
The rock is from the south seas where these
animals originate. From what I understand these seashells can be some of
the most deadly creatures on the planet. Should I pluck them out (with
great care) or let them be?
<... the latter IMO>
I have 911 on
speed dial but I really didn't think I'd need that for an aquarium.
Besides my own personal safety, are these snails a danger to coral?
Thanks for all your help.
<Not likely... they're all part and parcel
of what makes live rock so. Enjoy the show! Bob Fenner>
Cone Snails--Steer Clear (6/3/05
I
am a chronic pain patient. I now have the cone snail venom medicine in
me called Prialt. (just approved by the FDA December 31, 2004) <I hope
it is helping you.> I am fascinated by these snails and want to get one
or a very small group. <I would only keep one of these if I had a death
wish. Prialt, like Botox, is safe because it is so dilute and weakened.
Like botulinum toxin, some cone snail toxins are among the deadliest
toxins on the planet.> I have 20, 30, 50, 100 gallon tanks (although not
in use because of my pain problem, 11 back surgeries). <yikes!> Anyway,
do you need a permit? <Probably not, just a death wish.> If so, how do
you obtain one? <not sure> And how would you go about obtaining a group?
I am very well read on care, feeding and safety. <If so, you should be
able to find some, but I strongly advise against it--see what Dr. Ron
Shimek says about them in "Marine Invertebrates.> Thanks, Brent Ryther,
Salt Lake City. <If you really want more info on the possibility of
keeping these extremely dangerous creatures and how to get them, you
might want to speak to Brad at The Aquarium in Sandy (fantastic new
store) or Randy at Mountain Shadow Marine in Centerville. They know a
lot about marine aquariums. Steve Allen, Taylorsville.>
Stingray sting 8/23/05
My husband
and I were on vacation in Corpus Christi Texas and he got stung by a
stingray. I took him to the emergency room and they stuck his foot in
hot water, took an x-ray, and gave him some antibiotics. It is now 2
weeks later and he is still having some pain in his foot and he is very
tired, nauseated, has diarrhea, and sweats a lot even though he is not
hot. Could this be because of the sting? Thank you, Amber <Amber, Sting
Rays have one or more barbed stingers and two ventrolateral venom
containing grooves that are encased in a sheath, so to speak. When a
victim is stung, such as your hubby, the stinger apparatus then injects
a protein based toxin into the wound generally causing immediate intense
pain. The injury may occur without envenomation since many rays lose or
tear off the sheath covering the venom gland. In your hubby's case,
sounds like the gland was intact. And yes, your hubby's symptoms are
included along with others listed below.
Syncope
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Diaphoresis
Muscle cramps
Abdominal
pain
Seizures, and Hypotension
Have hubby keep taking his
antibiotics as the doctor prescribed. Hope he is feeling fine
soon. James (Salty Dog)> Delayed
reactions to stingray stings 9/24/05
Saw a child who was stung in the front of the ankle by a stingray 3
weeks ago. He soaked his foot in hot water, and it got better. About a
week later, he started to get these small dense bumps in the sting area.
They continued to increase in number. About a week ago, he was swimming
in a pool and slightly scraped his forehead and nose. Now those same
bumps are developing in these areas. They itch slightly and are not
painful. A few more come out each day. Any ideas?
<Mmm,
yes... I would take this child to his pediatrician, ask for a referral
to folks who deal in such matters... There are two or more components in
such stings... some involve the immediate trauma, venom... others more
latent infection... Bob Fenner>
Watch Out! There’s a Lion fish behind you…avoiding those nasty stings
12/2/05
Hi!
<Hello.>
While my
friend goes on vacation, I volunteered to take care of his marine tank.
<He must trust you a lot.>
In the tank is a Lionfish. He says that
when he's cleaning he has to be really vigilant just in case it mistakes
his hand for food. I'm kind of afraid. Can I use new rubber gloves when
cleaning his tank?
<Yes but I still would not attempt to touch the
fish, having never been stung by one I’m not sure how protective these
gloves will be, of course they are better than nothing. However be sure
they are not used as far as soap or other harmful materials….they need
to be as sterile as possible.>
<<Not
sterile, chemically inert is the issue here. Regular "Playtex"
gloves will not offer sufficient protection from a spine. You need
heavy-duty, try chemical gloves. Marina>>
Would that protect me?
<When I clean a tank with lions I usually
(carefully without touching them for your safety and theirs) herd them
into the corner with some sort of utensil, (Kent scraper in my case).
Some folks use barriers such as eggcrate or acrylic to keep the animal
at bay. In general the animal will be much more afraid of you than you
are of it and will keep a distance itself, also just be aware of where
the fish is at all times don’t get lazy or day dream. ;) >
Thanks
<Welcome, Adam J.> Echinothrix
calamaris (Hatpin Urchin) 1/19/06
Hello Bob, <James today>
I work at a small LFS and we the boss
picked up 3 "zebra urchins" at our supplier the other day. They are
Echinothrix calamaris I believe. My first question is, do these urchins
have the ability to "shoot" their shorter spines out? <<No... don't
shoot out. RMF>>
I touched the longer tubular spines with my thumb
while trying to move it (and ONLY the bigger ones, I am positive) but
received two of the smaller spines buried in my thumb. Very painful.
I've heard from several sources that they may be able to do so but no
definitive proof. Second question is, are they reef-safe? They are in
our fish-only tanks at the moment because we could not find any
information on whether they are or not reef-friendly. <The spines of
these urchins have hundreds of alternating light/dark bands, some being
strong, thick and hollow and others shorter and finer with all being
very sharp. I'm guessing while you were trying to move it the shorter
finer ones nailed you. The venom is very much like a bee sting so it
doesn't surprise me that it is painful. Interesting urchin as in nature
they can attain lengths of up to 9" and Banggai Cardinals often seek
shelter among their spines during the day. I did some researching and
couldn't find anything as to the urchin "shooting spines". James (Salty
Dog)>
Thank you and keep up the good work! <You're welcome>
Brandon Lionfish poison 10/30/06
Hi to all
the crew!
< Greetings, Emerson with you today. >
I have a little
concern about Lionfish stings. I actually tried to find out everywhere
how dangerous is their poison, but the same answer shows up: their sting
is very painful. What does that mean?
< Lions are actually toxic and
not poisonous. They are eaten all over the world. >
No, I know what
it means, but how dangerous is their sting? I have a Pterois volitans,
he's still pretty small (3" or so) and I'm taking great care to avoid
his spines while cleaning the tank, but an accident can always occur.
The problem is that the closer poisoning center around is in the
neighbor city in a children's hospital somewhere in that same city. I
don't have any allergies, but I'm really concerned about the dangers of
the sting.
< You really wont know if you are allergic to a Lionfish
sting until it happens. >
Could it be deadly?
< There have been
deaths reported from Lionfish, but it is said to be extremely rare. >
Or is it ONLY painful? Your help would be more than appreciated!
<
Most stings are very painful, and treated with hot water immersion to
help with the pain. Keep the poison control # handy in case you get
stung. >
Thanks!!
< Most welcome, and have a great day. >
Ivan Foxface Envenomation (Ouch!) - 10/25/06
Two weeks ago, I was stung by 3 of my Foxface Lo's dorsal fins on the
inside of my wrist, for two hours the pain was quite intense.
<<Indeed...yikes!>>
It was suggested that I soak the wrist in as hot
a water as I could handle for at least 1-2 hours -which I did.
<<Yes, it is believed the high temperature breaks down the proteins
comprising the venom>>
It seemed to have solved the problem the
three marks almost disappeared in a week.
<<Ah good>>
Then this
week the marks began to turn red and turned into 3 small reddish
blisterish looking marks and the skin area around them is slightly red
around now as well.
<<Mmm...>>
I am not sure if this is the type
of questions you can answer but here it is. My question too you, is
this - Have you heard or read of any unusual side effects from the
Foxface lo venom?
<<Have heard the wounds can be slow to heal, with
secondary infection a reality. But as with bee stings/other
envenomations, some individuals will react more severely or less
severely to the toxin than the "average" person>>
Could this just be
part of the process of the venom leaving the body?
<<I think this is
a "secondary infection">>
I would appreciate any input you may have.
Thank you,
Rhonda McAskill
<<Were this I, I would have these
wounds checked/treated by a doctor. Regards, Eric Russell>>
Hebrew Cone (Conus ebraeus), Poisonous? Yes! Degree of toxicity... ?
5/13/07
Hello crew,
<Hi Jana, Mich here.>
I am trying to
find on the Internet how poisonous the Conus ebraeus is?
<Well it
does kill it's prey, primarily eunicid and Nereid Polychaete worms, by
injecting them with conotoxin, a potent neurotoxin that disturbs the ion
channels involved in neuromuscular transmission, typically resulting in
paralysis.>
I found information on other cone shells but
not on this particular one.
<Yes, I too am having difficulty finding
anything specific to this particular species. There are more than 600
members of the Conidae family and only 30 documented cases of
envenomations by Conus in humans, some resulting in death. The most
toxic is reported to be Conus geographus, though C textile, and C
marmoreus are also associated with an increased of mortality. I have
been unable to find any reports describing the degree of toxicity of the
conotoxin associated with C. ebraeus, but it is certainly something to
take seriously and the effect of the conotoxin would likely vary between
individuals. Also worth noting is current research on members of this
family for the treatment of pain and conditions such as Parkinson's.>
Is it found in Australia and how poisonous is it.
<The distribution
of Conus ebraeus occurs in the Indo-west Pacific and Eastern Australia
as far south as Sydney.
Many thanks, kind regards, Jana.
<You're
welcome. Mich> Stingray
toxicity to humans 10/24/07
Hello
<Hi there>
I was thinking about getting a blue spotted ray
and have read on your web site if you are stung that you could have a
allergic reaction. How dangerous are they and what percent of the people
getting stung have a bad reaction?
<Mmm, folks with allergens to
proteinaceous stings might be in trouble... how much, how many? I don't
know. Much collateral damage is done physically with such injuries....>
I have read about the blue ring octopus, it's nothing like that is it,
or is it more like a lionfish sting.
<More toward the Lion end of
the scale>
What kind of ray would you recommend that's not to toxic,
if the blue spotted is?
<One of the non-stingray ray species... See
WWM, the Net, Scott Michael's popular cartilaginous fishes book re. Rays
are not easily kept BTW... as you will find by reading. Bob Fenner>
Thanks Todd
Rabbitfish question, handling 12/15/2007
Hello.
I've got a one-spot Foxface Rabbitfish and we've had it for
some time now. It's doing well and growing like crazy.
We bought him
in town and nobody told me that the spines could be dangerous.
<Oh
yes>
Needless to say, we moved him between 3 tanks now and didn't
know. I held him in my hand at one point and even helped him get his
gills going in the new tank when the smaller tank he had been raised in
crashed. (We had numerous newbie fish disasters throughout the year, but
everything is a+ stable now).
I am concerned after finding out that
they are venomous, quite by accident, because nobody took the time to
tell us, knowing we were newbies.
I've searched the site thoroughly
and read the Rabbitfish FAQs, and I see that it mentions that they have
a painful sting and are venomous. It does not, however, tell you how
venomous they are (from what I saw, but I may have missed it somewhere)
or if they are actually fatal, such as the lionfish can be.
<Somewhat
less than Pteroines... more than bees... Can be dangerous to folks who
have aversion to proteinaceous stings>
I am concerned, needless to
say, because he's grown to about six inches long and he's quite the boss
of the big tank, with the exception of a few of our tangs, who rule the
roost.
Thank you
<I too have hand-handled many Siganids... one
just needs to be careful to keep their hands away from the spiny
(anterior) portions of their dorsal and anal fins... Bob Fenner>
Stingray Wound - 8/15/03
What is the recommended treatment of a
wound caused by the barb of a Round Stingray?
<To a human, fish,
invertebrate, itself? I do assume you are speaking of a human, no? Here
is what the dive doctor has for ya: Prehospital Care: As
soon as possible, immerse the affected body part in very hot water (as
hot as the patient can tolerate without actually getting burned) or
apply a hot pack to the affected body part. Heat rapidly decreases the
patient's pain. Emergency Department Care: If a patient has
demonstrated any sign of systemic effect, it should be addressed
quickly. No specific antidote is available, and supportive care is
recommended, including use of analgesics. An easy and important
initial treatment that can be started (sometimes at the scene of the
injury) is immersion of the injured extremity in hot water (preferably
110-115°F). The water should be as hot as the patient can tolerate but
should not cause burns. The water should be exchanged for more hot water
as it cools, for an immersion duration of 30-90 minutes. Very
little has been written about the toxin left in wounds after a stingray
injury. The authors do know that the stingray toxin is a protein and is
very sensitive to heat. The patient should obtain very rapid symptomatic
improvement with heat as the poison denatures and becomes neutralized.
In addition, some practitioners also infiltrate the wound with a local
anesthetic, such as Lidocaine (Lignocaine) or the longer-acting
Bupivacaine. Occasionally, parenteral narcotics also may be given.
After the toxin has been deactivated by the hot water, attention to
local wound care should begin because it is not uncommon for part of the
stinging apparatus to break off in the wound. Obtain a plain
radiographic image (X-ray) of the injured area to look for retained
barbs or other foreign material. Explore the wound thoroughly and
irrigate it. Perform any necessary debridement. (debris removal).
Remove any foreign body from the wounds, including the spine and sheath
from the stingray stinger, as well as dirt or sand. As with other
potentially contaminated wounds, consider allowing the wound to heal
without closure. Because most of the wounds are small, this usually is
not an issue. If the wound is very large or gaping, consider loose
primary closure. Address the patient’s tetanus immunization status
and administer a booster as needed. -Paul> Stingray Wound
to a Hooman Beene - 8/15/03
Hi, Paul! Wow, that was FAST!!!
<We aim to please, plus a marine inflicted wound is nothing to wait
about> Yas, it be to a hooman beene!
<Lucky guess. I figured fish
know enough not to muck with a stingray. :-) Diving or venturing into
the frigid south coast waters?>
Excellent info, and Thank You Very
Much, R.L. "Bob" Dean
<My pleasure. Take the wound seriously and
let us know if we can be of anymore help -Paul> - Stingray
Stings -
Thanks for your concern. The incident occurred last
Monday to a friend, an adult male approx 30 in excellent physical
condition. Beach was rocky, thus not expecting stingrays. ID'd as
definitely "Round Stingray" approx 12-in dia. Wound was a "slash", not
puncture, pain and bleeding were instantaneous, bleeding was profuse
which helped flush out the wound. While water was heating over a propane
flame, wound was irrigated with fresh water and inspected for the barb
or any other foreign objects. Nothing was found. Within approx 3-4
min.s of immersion in HOT water, pain level greatly reduced. Kept
checking patient for any signs of shock incl anaphylactic. No signs
other than somewhat elevated state of excite. Analgesic in form of
Benadryl given orally. Wound stopped bleeding after about 20 min.s
(being soaked in clean bucket), but pressure by walking reopened so
applied compress gauze over wound. Patient had somewhat painful
night, Swelling was only about size of half-dollar, no striations
indicative of infection by morning, couldn't keep him out of the water,
said "Goodbye!" Reason for my inquiry was a couple of people on site
demanded he soak it in COLD water! Took about 5 min.s to get through to
them. Thanks again, "R.L."
<Indeed, hot water is 'de riguer' for
venomous stings (or wounds in this case) as the heat breaks down the
proteins of the venom. Ice and cold water can wait till later to help
reduce swelling, but to address the immediate pain of the injury, you
did the right thing. Onward and upward!
Cheers, J -- > A
Nasty Owee 12/9/2003
Good morning,
Yesterday while cleaning my
tank I had a small cut on my thumb. <Did you cut yourself before putting
your thumb in the aquarium or on something inside?> I accidentally
touched the elegance coral and was stung by it. <Ouch!> My thumb is now
swollen, red and tender. <Either a toxic reaction or an infection.>
Should I go see the doctor or give it some time. <Go to the doctor ASAP.
If this redness is spreading, you may have cellulitis, a potentially
serious infection requiring antibiotics.> Also, what is the active
ingredient in the poison. <Uncertain. I could not get any specifics on
the Internet. Most of these toxins are a mix of noxious things--local
irritants, anticoagulants, neurotoxins. Most reactions are localized
burning & swelling, but can be more severe depending on type & amount of
venom. Allergic reaction can be severe. Some aquarists have had
neurological symptoms like numbness & tingling, loss of taste. Check
here for more info:
http://www.emedicine.com/wild/topic18.htm>
Thanks, <You're
welcome. I hope this heals quickly, Steve Allen>
-Brent
<There's a
lesson here for all. It is best to wear arm-length gloves when messing
around in your reef tank. Here's one source:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3871&D=gloves&R=7795&Ntt=gloves&Ntk=
All&Dx=mode+matchallany&Ntx=mode+matchallany&Np=1&N=2004&Nty=1 Also,
NEVER EVER put your unprotected skin into the water if you have an open
wound (scratch, laceration). The tank is a veritable cesspool of
potentially infectious agents and broken skin is an easy access point
for them to infect you. Intact skin is your primary line of defense
against infection.> Human Poisoning from Sarcophyton?
Anthony- After a somewhat panicked web search, I came across your
article:
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-06/ac/feature/
on coral
propagation in Reefkeeping magazine. I say "panicked" because while I
was attempting to cut a
diseased portion of a Sarcophyton species
off, I inadvertently cut my finger in the process. The cut was shallow;
so shallow that I did not realize I cut myself until the "operation" was
complete, and it did NOT draw blood. However, I'm worried about any
toxic reaction. It's been two hours as I write this, with no sign of
rash or anything at the cut site, or any symptoms that can't be
explained by panic disorder. Are there any warning signs/window of time
I should be looking out for a "bad" reaction? Is it possible I
introduced something harmful or lethal via this shallow cut?
I feel
incredibly stupid for (a) doing this and (b) e-mailing someone I don't
know about it, but I'd really like the opinion of an authority on this
so I can rest easy or get myself to the hospital. Thank you very much
for your time.. -Todd
<Cheers, Todd. Very glad to hear about the
propagation efforts! Sorry to hear you got a scare :p No worries though
my friend. Nothing imminent is likely regarding a poisoning or allergic
reaction. What risk there is no worse than the same risk of being bit or
stung by a non-venomous fish or even simply putting your hand in the
tank on a daily basis with a hangnail or other non-related wound.
Specifically, there are nasty microbes in all aquatic environments and
specifically we fear Vibrio or Mycobacterium.
Your first step of
course was/should be to cleanse the wound thoroughly with soapy water
and then use a disinfectant (antibiotic cream, peroxide, or the like).
The doctor is unlikely to be necessary but do call at least to get his
advice. Really... the concern here is more from a septic infection from
the razor than anything the coral could impart.
Sarcophytons are
specifically noxious to other corals and aquatic invertebrates with
regard for allelopathic compounds. Again, since this is not an overtly
poisonous (to humans) animal and you didn't even draw blood... it seems
likely that you will have a very nice holiday week. The only poisoning
that I see as being likely in your near future is alcohol poisoning
tomorrow night <G>. Happy New Year, my friend. Anthony> - Dead
Lionfish Venom -
Hello! I have read that dead puffers and other
kinds of poisonous [venomous] fish can pollute the tank with toxins from
their body and wipe out the entire system. Does this also apply to
lionfish when they are dead?
<Not as far as I know... although any
fish, venomous or not will become a source of pollution if left dead in
the tank for too long.>
Andrew
<Cheers, J -- ><<A side note here
re Lionfish/Scorpaenines... they ARE still venomous to humans when dead.
RMF who knows this firsthand>> Medical Article Related to
Marine Aquaria
Bob & Fellow Crewmates:
I thought you might
find this article about "Poisonings, Envenomations and Trauma From
Marine Creatures" found in the most recent issue of American Family
Physician to be interesting/useful.
Steve
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20040215/885.html Interesting Articles
on aquatic animal envenomation
Bob & Anthony:
Thought you
might find these articles for doctors at eMedicine.com
interesting:
Echinoderrn Envenomations: http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic158.htm
Coelenterate and Jellyfish Envenomations:
http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic104.htm
Lionfish and Stonefish:
http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic300.htm
Octopus Envenomations:
http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic342.htm
Stingray Envenomations:
http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic556.htm
Decompression Sickness:
http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic121.htm
Steve
<Thank you for
this Steve. Will post on WWM. Bob F> Toxic corals? 9/30/04
Hi please I need help, I am very confused, all corals are toxic right?
<hmmm... depends on your perspective/meaning: regarding filter feeding?
(stinging nature of Cnidarian animals)... regarding allelopathy
(chemical warfare against encroaching organisms)... poisonous nature if
ingested or harassed??
what corals are more toxic?, what corals are
less toxic?,
<variable as you might guess... and as per
the above definitions>
can a coral kill a human really?,
<yes...
more than a few can. Notably... palytoxin in Zoanthids. A historical use
by Hawaiian natives, et al when tipping spears for mortal combat>
I
wont full my aquarium with corals, but I don’t wont go to the hospital
or die, please help me, what corals you know not are dangerous?, thanks
you.
<this is a small concern with good husbandry/handling...
really. No worries with careful and proper handling as you do household
chemicals, medications, fumous agents at work/home, etc. Anthony>
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