1. especially sand, as this may cause the stinging cells to be activated. DO NOT suck the wound.
      1. Severe allergic reactions have accured and we must be prepared to treat for shock and possibly administer CPR.




  1. Mollusks. Clams, chitons, octopuses, snails, mussels, nudibranches, squid and many more fall into this category. As a phylum, mollusks are the second largest invertebrate group, likely to show up in your aquarium sooner or later. The phylum mollusca is generally divided into five classes. Stinging or venomous mollusks fall mainly into two categories.
    1. Gastropoda (Stomach footers) Of the over 33,000 estimated living species of gastropod, only the genus conus is of concern to us as a hazard. From the mildly painful to life threatening.
      1. Cone shells, all of these shells have a highly developed venom apparatus. The venom apparatus lies deep within the body cavity of the animal and the animal is capable of thrusting and injecting the poison via the barb into the flesh of the victim.
      2. Complications. The sting made by a cone shell is a puncture- type wound. The area around the wound may exhibit one or more of the following: turn blue, swelling numbness, stinging, or burning sensation. The amount of pain will vary from person to person. Some say the pain is like a bee sting, while others find it unbearable. The numbness and tingling sensations around the wound site may spread rapidly, involving the whole body, especially around the lips and mouth. Complete general muscle paralysis may occur. Coma may ensue and death is usually the result of cardiac failure.
      3. Treatment. The pain comes from the injection of venom, slime, and other irritating foreign matter in the wound site. The treatment is primarily symptomatic because there is no specific treatment. Immersing in nonscalding hot water (upper limit 113 F) may help alleviate pain.
    2. Cephalopods. This group includes the nautilis, squid, cuttlefish, and octopus. Since the octopus is the marine animal most likely encountered by us, it is the only one that will be discussed.
      1. The sharp parrot like beak of the octopus makes two small puncture wound into which a toxic solution or venom is injected. Pain is usually felt immediately in the form of a burning, itching, or stinging sensation. Bleeding from the wound is usually very profuse which may indicate the venom contains an anticoagulant. The area around the wound, and in some cases the entire appendage, may swell, turn red, and feel hot. There has been one report of a fatal octopus bite. This death was attributed to the blue ringed octopus (Octopus Maculosus). Because its bite is dangerous, it should not be handled at any time.
      2. Treatment. Treat for shock, stop the bleeding, clean the wound area since more venomous saliva could be in the area, and treat symptoms as they arise.


  1. Echnoderms. Sea cucumbers, starfish, and sea urchins are members of this group. Sea urchins comprise the most dangerous type of echnoderms. In some species the spines are venomous and present a hazard if handled improperly.
    1. Complications. The needle-sharp points of sea urchin spines are able to penetrate the flesh easily. These spines are also very brittle and tend to break off while still attached to the wound and are very difficult to withdraw. Penetration by one of these spines produces an immediate and very intense burning sensation. The area of pain will also swell, turn red, and ache. Numbness and muscular paralysis, swelling of the face, and a change in the pulse have also been reported. Secondary infection usually sets in. While some deaths have been reported, other victims have experienced loss of speech, respiratory distress, and paralysis. The paralysis will last from 15 minutes to 6 hours.
    2. Treatment. The envenomed part should immediately be immersed in nonscalding hot water (upper limit 113 F) to tolerance for 30 to 90 minutes in an attempt to relieve pain. There will also be some discoloration due to a dye the animal secretes—do not be disturbed by this, it of no consequence. Spines (pedicellaria) must be removed or envenomation will continue. The spines of some species will be easily dislodged whereas others must be surgically removed. Although some thin spines may be absorbed within 24 hours to 3 weeks, it is best to remove those that are easily reached and leave the remainder in dissolution.
The best prevention is to wear gloves when handling invertebrates for both our safety and the welfare of our animals. When exploring open water sources we should cover our body as much as is possible and practical for the situation.






Venomous Marine Animals (Vertebrates)


Venomous spine fish (Fish that sting). Many of us have, or may come in contact with fish that can cause severe injuries

  1. Types of fish in this group are:
    1. Scorpion fish
    2. Spiny dog fish
    3. Rat fish