MARINE ANIMALS THAT STING 



69 



taneous stinging, throbbing or scalding sensation which may be 

 localized or may radiate up the affected limb. Some of the tropical 

 species, such as Plotosus, are capable of producing violent pain, 

 which may last for 48 hours or more. The area about the wound 

 becomes pale immediately after being stung. The pallor is soon 

 followed by a cyanotic appearance, and then by redness and swell- 

 ing. In some cases the swelling may be very severe, accompanied 

 by numbness and gangrene of the area about the wound. Shock 



Fig. 40. Fin spines of the Mexican catfish, Galeichthys felis. (1). Dorsal 

 spine, posterior and side views. (2). Pectoral spine, dorsal and posterior views. 



may be present. Improperly treated cases frequently result in 

 secondary bacterial infections of the wound. Some species of cat- 

 fishes may produce wounds which may take weeks to heal, but in 

 most instances the wounds are of minor consequence. Deaths have 

 been reported from the stings of some of the tropical catfishes. 



Treatment. There are no known specific antidotes. See Page 91 

 for the treatment of fish stings. 



Prevention. Care should be exercised in the handling of catfishes 

 because of their sharp rigid fin spines which can be readily driven 

 into the flesh of the unwary victim. 



