1. Toadfish, Frogfish (Batrachoididae)
• Spines in dorsal fins and operculum (gill cover)
2. Stingray (Dasyatididae)
• Spines and barbs on the dorsal surface of the tail
3. Scorpionfish, Rockfish, Lionfish (Scorpaenidae)
• Spines in dorsal, pelvic and anal fins
4. Rabbitfish (Sigandae)
• Spines in dorsal and pelvic and anal fins
5. Catfish (Siluriformes)
• Single spine in the top dorsal fin and spines in the pectoral fins on each side
• Venomous secretions on the entire body
6. Stonefish (Synanceia)
• Spines in dorsal fins
7. Pufferfish (Tetraodontidae)
• Skin, intestines, ovaries and liver
8. Stargazers (Uranoscopidae)
• Spines behind the operculum and above pectoral fins
Note: This list of venomous fish is not exhaustive. We have chosen to list only those that are commonly encountered by anglers in Southeast Asia.
First Aid for Venomous Fish Injuries
I. Skin/Surface contact only
Minimal or no discomfort experienced - wash hands immediately with soap and hot water.
II. Trauma resulting in wounds
Bleeding, swelling and moderate to intense pain experienced at the injury site that may spread further to surrounding areas.
1. Immerse the wound in water as hot (not boiling!) as you can bear.
1. Remove sting fragments lodged in the wounds, if any.
2. Apply antiseptic and keep wound clean and dry.
In the event of:
• Deep wounds or lacerations
• Severe pain that does not abate after a couple of hours
• Additional symptoms such as lightheadedness, nausea, cramps
• Suspected onset of infection
Seek medical help as soon as possible for anti-venom (stonefish only), local anesthesia, X-ray or even surgery.
First Aid for Jellyfish Stings
Symptoms of jellyfish stings usually include a rash or raised welts, with an itchy, burning sensation, caused by the venom discharged from the nematocysts of the jellyfish.
1. Control the urge to touch/rub the affected area, as this will worsen the pain.
2. Flood/flush with vinegar or place a vinegar-soaked compress over to deactivate the nematocysts. If vinegar is unavailable, use seawater but NOT freshwater.
3. When pain starts to abate, use tweezers or gloved hands to remove tentacles attached to the skin, if any.
4. Apply shaving foam or baking soda and use a sterilized razor (or something with an edge like a credit card) to shave the affected area to remove remaining nematocysts.
5. Flush again with sea water and apply antiseptic.
In the event of:
• Stings by a box jellyfish
• Stings on a large part of the body
• Light-headedness, nausea, difficulty in breathing, chest pains caused by an allergic reaction to the jellyfish’s venom
Seek medical help immediately after step 2.
References
• “Venomous and poisonous marine animals: a medical and biological handbook” - By John A. Williamson, Joseph W. Burnett, Peter J. Fenner, Jacqueline F. Rifkin
• “Medical toxicology” - By Richard C. Dart
• www.jellyfishfacts.net/jellyfish-first-aid.html
• www.emedicinehealth.com/jellyfish_stings/article_em.htm
• www.healthline.com/blogs/outdoor_health/2009/08/hot-water-for-jellyfish-stings.html
