MARINE ANIMALS THAT STING 47 



tress, and was unable to speak. The victim was rushed to a hospital 

 and placed in a respirator, where he expired about two hours after 

 being stung. 



Treatment. Wounds from octopuses should be treated in the same 

 manner as fish stings. (See Page 91). 



Prevention. Underwater caves which are likely to be inhabited 

 by octopuses should be avoided by the inexperienced diver. The 

 wearing of an outer cloth garment makes it difficult for an octopus 

 to adhere to the skin. Octopuses, regardless of their size, should 

 be handled with gloves. Even some of the smaller species can in- 

 flict a painful bite, which in at least one case has been known to 

 be fatal. Stabbing deep between the eyes is the method of choice for 

 killing an octopus. 



Annelid Worms 



Segmented worms, or annelids, are organisms having an elongate 

 body, which is usually segmented, each segment having paired 

 setae, or bristle-like structures. In some species these setae are 

 developed into a stinging mechanism. Still other species have tough 

 chitinous jaws with which they can inflict a painful bite. Annelid 

 worms are usually encountered when turning over rocks or coral 

 boulders. 



Species of Annelids. There are many species of annelid worms 

 which might be listed, but the following species are representative 

 of the two types: (1) those having biting jaws (Glycera), and (2) 

 those having stinging setae (Eurythoe, Hermodice). 



Bloodworm, Glycera dibranchiata Ehlers. (Fig. 21). Found 

 along the coast of North Carolina to northeast Canada. 



Bristleworm, Eurythoe complanata (Pallas). Found in the Gulf 

 of Mexico, and throughout the tropical Pacific. 



Bristleworm, Hermodice carnnculata Pallas. (Fig. 22). Inhabits 

 the Gulf of Mexico. 



Medical Aspects. The chitinous jaws of Glycera are able to pene- 

 trate the skin and to produce a painful sensation similar to that of 

 a bee sting. The marks from the jaws are oval-shaped, and are about 

 as large as the inner circle of the following letter "0", in the center 

 of which is a small reddish spot usually indicating where the jaws 

 have pierced the skin, and bordered by a surrounding area of 

 blanching. The wounded area may become hot and swollen, and 

 may remain so for a day or two. The swelling may be followed by 

 numbness and itching. 



