MARINE ANIMALS THAT STING 



85 



Medical Aspects. The pain from toadfish wounds develops rapidly, 

 is radiating and intense. Some have described the pain as being 

 similar to that of a scorpion sting. The pain is soon followed by 

 swelling, redness, and heat. No fatalities have been recorded in 

 the literature. Little else is known about the effects of toadfish 

 venom. 



-r ■—V;-I".'-:' : - 



Fig. 52. Top: Tail of the surgeonfish, Acanthurus, showing the caudal spine 

 in the contracted position. Bottom: Tail of Acanthurus, showing the caudal 

 spine in the extended position. The fish can inflict a severe cut when the spine 



is extended. 



Treatment. See Page 91 regarding the treatment of stings from 

 venomous fishes. 



Prevention. Persons wading in waters inhabited by toadfishes 

 should take the precaution to shuffle their feet through the mud 

 to avoid stepping on them. Removal of toadfishes from a hook or 

 from nets should be done with care. 



