Venomous fish are fish that produce venom. The three groups that represent venomous fish are Pterois, Scorpaena, and Synanceia.[1] There are at least 1200 species of venomous fish, which is more than any other type of animal, and they include the Stonefish, Lionfish, Scorpion Fish, Stargazer, and Toadfish (Daector and Thalassophryne). Venomous fish produce their own toxins, and they excrete their venom through barbs, saliva, or spines. This venom can be extremely painful and in some cases fatal. [2]
Background
editVenomous fish primarily swim near the bottom of the body of water which they occupy, which can be any ocean, sea, lake, stream, pond, or river.[3] The venom is usually used as a defensive mechanism to ward off predators, but some species, including the Lionfish, use their venom as an offensive weapon.[2] Most venomous fish come from Indo-Pacific, off eastern and southern Africa, Australia,Polynesia, the Philippines, Indonesia and southern Japan. About 50,000 people a year suffer from stings, or envenomations, with an array of symptoms like pain, fainting, blisters, fever, convulsions, breathing trouble and sometimes even death. Most fish are not known to harm humans; however attacks from certain species can be fatal.
Physical description
editThe venomous fish’s physical appearance is spiny and either very colorful or very camouflaged. Venomous fish of the group Scorpaena and Synanceia are brown or gray, and camouflaged appearing to look like rocks.[1] Some species like the Stonefish are perfectly cloaked against a rocky water bottom. Venomous fish in the Scorpaena group boast shorter, thicker spines with venom glands larger than those of the Pterois group. Members of the Synanceia group have powerful spines with venom glands that are more developed containing even more intense venom.[1] However, some species have very flashy colors which warn their enemies that they are protected well.[4] This is the Pterois group is known for having long, slim spines with larger venom glands and a potent sting.[1] For most species, the venom is located in the fish’s spines and the venom is injected when a spine protrudes the flesh of something else-be it prey or predator.
Most Venomous Fish
editStonefish or Synanceia Verrucosa are very hard to see because they camouflage perfectly into their ocean bottom surrounding. They are often mistaken for a jagged rock or coral.[5] They are brown or gray and can have patches of other colors to disguise them better. Unfortunately for humans and other creatures, this camouflage can kill. The thirteen spines on its dorsal area release venom from two sacs.[5] This venom causes severe pain with possible shock, paralysis and tissue death depending on the depth of the penetration. It even can be fatal if not treated within 2-3 hours. These fish are found in the Indo-Pacific region and range in size from 35cm-50cm.[6] They feed on smaller fish and other crustacean. As threatening as the Stonefish is, it is often a gourmet entree in Asian and tropic cuisine countries and is even sold in Hong Kong fish markets.[7]
Misconception
editVenomous fish are often said to be poisonous, although this is not the correct term, as venom and poisons are different. Poisons can be absorbed by the body, such as through the skin or digestive system. For example, the puffer fish is considered poisonous and not venomous because when pieces of its tissue are ingested no lacerations are necessary in order for the poison to function. However, in order for venom to work, the animal must first produce a laceration so that the venom can get into the blood stream or into tissues within the body(envenomated). So, if one were to drink fish venom there would be no harm done as long as there were no lacerations that the venom could attack. [8]
Human injuries
editAnnually more than 50,000 people are injured from venomous fish.[2] These injuries range from blisters to death. The fish will normally not attack unless they feel harmed and many injuries occur from stepping on the venomous spines. Prevention from venomous fish attacks includes wearing shoes with thicker soles and not taking big steps when traversing through water that may be home to venomous fish.[2] To treat a venomous fish wound, allow blood to flow out of the wound in order to clear venom out of the cut.[6] Remove any spines and clean up the wound so it does not get infected.
Medical Studies
editResearch is being done with fish venom comparable to that of snake venom. Venoms of animals affect the human muscular, nervous, and cardiovascular systems.[2] Scientists are using venoms to research applications for improvements in drugs. This research is not yet fully realized, however scientists believe it has the potential to treat cancers and other diseases.[3]</ref>
Reference
edit- ^ a b c d Gallagher, Scott (May 3, 2011). "Lionfish and Stonefish". Medscape.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ a b c d e "Venomous Fish Far Outnumber Snakes, Other Vertebrates, Study Says". National Geographic. October 8, 2010.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ a b Britt, Robert (22 August 2006). "Venomous Fish Outnumber Snakes". Live Science.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ "15 Cute Animals That Will Cause You Horrible Harm". Brainz. 2009–2010.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help)CS1 maint: date format (link) - ^ a b "Destination Scuba". 2009.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ a b Soule, Jean-Philippe (2000). "Dangerous Sea Life". Native Planet.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Fauna, Flora. "Stonefish". Lady Elliot Barrier Reef Island.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Acland, Dave (March 13, 2009). "Venomous Fish vs. Poisonous Fish". The Fish Blog.
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