Many sea creatures are venomous, and the best way to avoid envenomation is to avoid the creatures. As an example, don\u2019t pick up or handle creatures washed up on the beach or in rock pools, and don\u2019t swim where Box Jellyfish or the Portuguese Man-of-War are prevalent.<\/p>\n
The first aid treatments listed below are recommendations only. If in doubt, please seek medical attention immediately.<\/p>\n
The Cone Shell is a variegated shell, usually brown and white, which is common on tropical beaches. The shell contains a dagger-like spine, which can inject toxin into any unwary person who handles the creature.<\/p>\n
Fire Corals, also known as Millepora are common on reefs. Unlike others, Fire Coral are lined with inconspicuous hair-liked structures protruding from its skeleton. These fine hairs contain stinging cells called nematocysts which inflict stings on exposed human skin when touched.<\/p>\n
Like its relative the scorpion fish, Lionfish also lie camouflaged on the reef. If disturbed, they flare their colorful venomous fins and will inject anything that approaches.<\/p>\n
By nature Moray Eels are non aggressive however, if molested they will inflict nasty bites. They typically hide in dark places during the day and feed at night. There have been cases where Moray Eels have drifted away from their hiding places to attack approaching divers. This usually happens in areas where fish feeding occurs.<\/p>\n
The Portuguese Man-of-War, or \u2018Bluebottle\u2019, is really a colony of small creatures living as one. The creatures have small stinging cells which, when encountered as a group, impart a venomous sting. People who are susceptible to bee sting are usually sensitive to Bluebottle venom.<\/p>\n
The Stonefish is virtually invisible among rocks. The creature has venomous spines on its back that it erects when threatened or stepped on.<\/p>\n
Sea snakes may grow to be several metres in length, and are found mainly in warmer waters. They appear similar to land snakes, but have flatter tails.<\/p>\n
The main treatment for a snake bite is the application of a \u2018pressure immobilisation bandage\u2019. This bandage is applied as firmly as bandaging a sprained ankle, and is designed to slow the movement of venom through the lymphatic system which helps to slow or prevent the venom from leaving the bite site.<\/p>\n
\u201cspiky balls\u201d of varying sizes having numerous long spines. As they are often present in cracks of rocks they are usually not seen until the spines puncture the feet of surfers or fishermen clambering on the rocks.<\/p>\n
If medical attention is not readily available, the following guidelines are recommended in treating a puncture wound:<\/p>\n
Pain may be relieved with 1-2 acetaminophen (Tylenol) tablets every 4 hours or 1-2 ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) tablets every 6-8 hours.<\/p>\n
Hydroids are actually colonies of animals equipped with strong stinging cells (nematocysts) used to capture prey and for defense, which can inflict painful and venomous stings if touched. In the water they look like tiny ferns and are usually white in colour.<\/p>\n
Stingrays often burrow under the sand in shallow water. The usual method of injury is a reflex forward whip of the tail when the \u2018wings\u2019 are trodden on. The tail contains one or more sharp barbs, which may embed in the skin of the victim and break off, or glance across the skin causing a laceration that may be quite deep and extensive.<\/p>\n
A Titan triggerfish is capable of locking its tough dorsal fin into its predator, sometimes pinning them to the reef. Nesting females are found to be more aggressive and will nip divers approaching their nesting areas. Trigger fishes usually gazette their territories as the area directly above and below them so when approaching, do not swim over but around them.<\/p>\n
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