MARINE ANIMALS THAT STING 93 



Treatment should be directed toward maintaining cardiovascular 

 tone and the prevention of any further complications. Respiratory- 

 stimulants may also be required. 



Another form of treatment is known as the L-C, or ligature- 

 cryotherapy method. Immediately after being stung, the victim 

 places a ligature between the site of the sting and the body at a 

 point nearest the entrance of the venom, without making an inci- 

 sion. The hand or foot, as the case may be, including the ligature, 

 is immersed in iced water. The ligature is removed after the mem- 

 ber has been in iced water for not less than five, or more than ten, 

 minutes, but the affected part must remain in the iced water for a 

 minimum of two hours. There is said to be no danger of frostbite 

 if iced water alone is used, but salt must not be added. This method 

 has been employed several times in cases of stingray stings with 

 reputedly good results. 



REPTILES 



Sea Snakes 



Much has been written regarding the subject of snakes, which 

 are almost universally feared, particularly by those who lack knowl- 

 edge concerning their habits. Sea snakes especially have been mis- 

 understood by many persons and, unfortunately, very little factual 

 information is available on their biology. However, it is known 

 that all of them are highly venomous. Some species are said to con- 

 tain a venom which is fifty times as potent as that of the king 

 cobra, when tested upon laboratory animals. Fortunately, most sea 

 snakes possess a rather poorly developed venom apparatus, and are 

 fairly docile in their habits. Nevertheless, fatalities occur from 

 time to time because of sea snake bites. Skin divers, working in 

 areas inhabited by sea snakes, should be aware of the potential 

 hazard and should take the necessary precautionary measures. 



Sea snakes are highly specialized and maintain an exclusively 

 aquatic life. They are members of the suborder Serpentes, and are, 

 therefore, true snakes. Their bodies are covered by scales and have 

 a complete absence of limbs, ear openings, sternum and urinary 

 bladder. Their eyes are immobile, covered by transparent scales, 

 and are without lids. The tongue is slender, forked, and protrusile. 

 Sea snakes are further characterized by having a body more or 

 less compressed posteriorly with a flat, paddle-shaped tail. Venom 

 fangs are present and the maxillary teeth serve as hollow fangs. 

 Most species seldom exceed a length of 3-4 ft., but some may attain 

 a length of 9 ft., or more. 



