116 



DANGEROUS MARINE ANIMALS 



Gulf Puffer, Sphaeroides annulatus (Jenyns) (Fig. 70, Next to 

 Bottom). Ranges from California to Peru, and the Galapagos 

 Islands. 



Porcupine Fish, Diodon hystrix Linnaeus (Fig.' 70, Bottom). 

 Circumtropical in its distribution, occasionally entering temperate 

 areas. 



Fig. 71. Map showing the geographical distribution of Ciguatera-producing 



fishes. 



Medical Aspects. Symptoms of tingling about the lips and tongue 

 and motor incoordination usually develop within 10-45 minutes 

 after ingestion of the fish. This tingling may later spread to other 

 parts of the body. In some instances, the numbness may involve 

 the entire body, in which instances the victim may feel as though 

 he were "floating". Excessive salivation, extreme weakness, nausea, 

 vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain may soon follow. Twitching of 

 the muscles, paralysis, difficulty in swallowing, loss of voice, con- 

 vulsions, and death by respiratory paralysis may ensue. More than 

 60 per cent of the victims poisoned by this fish die. 



Treatment. See Page 126 on the treatment of fish poisoning. 

 There is no specific treatment or antidote for puffer poisoning. 



Prevention. Learn to recognize the puffer and leave it alone. It 

 makes an excellent poisonous bait for stray cats, but a poor food 

 for humans. 



