Nothing can ruin a fun day at the beach like getting stung by something hiding in the water, sσ it always helps to be prepared. All kinds of marine life can sting you, but there are different ways of treating these wounds which heavily depends on what hurt you in the first place.
We at Bright Side always want you to be prepared sσ you can enjoy your time under the sun! That’s why we’ve compiled a list of animals that can sting you along with instructions on what to do if it happens. Don’t forget to check our bonus feature that shows one of the earth’s most surprising animals that has a powerful sting.
1. Portuguese man-of-war
The Portuguese man-of-war is a complicated creature found in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. It’s not actually a single being, but rather, a “colonial organism” made up of different animals and polyps that cannot survive on their own. It injects poison into its victims through its tentacles, causing the victim to suffer from chest pain, difficulty breathing, and even death.
Habitat: Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans
Treatment: Over the years, there have been many “home remedies” people used to treat the stings from alcohol, sea water, and shaving cream to urine and baking soda. However, a recent study claims that applying warmth and vinegar to the wound is the best option. Try to contact medical services in case of an emergency.
2. Jellyfish
Unlike the Portuguese man-of-war, the jellyfish is a singular organism. These marine animals usually are free-swimming in the ocean but some are anchored to the sea bed by stalks. Their tentacles have microscopic stinging cells that are normally used to catch prey or as a defense. Normally, the sting causes pain and redness. In more serious cases, their stings can cause serious illnesses and even death.
Habitat: All over the world, from surface waters to deep in the ocean
Treatment: As mentioned above, urine is a popular treatment for these stings, but it’s just an old wive’s tale. Similar to how you’d treat a Portuguese man-of-war sting, vinegar and warmth are the best treatment options. You must also make sure to remove any tentacles with tweezers, not by scraping them off. Also, try to identify the jellyfish. Lion’s mane jellyfish, sea nettle jellyfish, and box jellyfish can do serious damage with their sting, sσ try to get medical treatment as soon as possible.
3. Sea anemone
Despite looking like plants, sea anemones are actually animals. Armed with cnidocyte-stinging cells, they inject venom and a mix of toxins and neurotoxins into their victims through a cell explosion. Normally, sea anemones don’t attack humans but it has happened in rare cases, and humans have also been stung by sea anemones washed ashore. In serious cases, the venom can cause death.
Habitat: The Indian and Pacific Oceans
Treatment: Treating the wound depends on what type of sea anemone stung you, the number of toxins injected and how the person reacted to it. Generally, the spines need to be removed, which can be treated with seawater. The wound also needs to be cleaned. Similar to jellyfish wounds, vinegar can treat the pain. Topical antibiotics and painkillers might be needed to dull the pain. In serious cases, people should contact medical services.
4. Stingray
Stingrays are a type of sea rays, related closely to sharks. They generally do not attack humans, but can when provoked, like if they’re stepped on. Unlike the previously mentioned creatures, they attack with a spinal blade instead of tentacles. They aren’t normally lethal to humans, but there have been a few reported cases, most notably the death of Australian conservationist and television personality Steve Irwin in 2006.
Habitat: Around the world, especially in tropical and subtropical areas
Treatment: Normally, the stingray’s sting is only lethal if it touches a vital area. In more serious cases, surgery might be needed to remove the animal’s barb or “stinger” which can get dislodged during the attack using tweezers. Clean the area but don’t close it or cover it with stitches. Pressure can be used to stop any bleeding and antibiotics can help treat pain and infection. In more cases, serious injuries should be treated with medical services.
5. Sea urchin
Sea urchins are spiky animals that face a lot of predators like sea otters, wolf eels, and even starfish, sσ it makes sense that they’d use their spikes to protect themselves. Present around the world, some of them also produce venom, especially sea urchins from tropical areas.
Habitat: All around the world, particularly on the seabed
Treatment: Sea urchins can puncture their victims with or without venom and their stings vary in severity depending on the type. Remove the spikes with a tweezer or scrape the area with a razor. Similar to the above, vinegar can be used to treat the pain as well as antibiotics.
6. Lionfish
The lionfish goes by many names like the “zebrafish” or the “turkeyfish” and is known for its distinctive venomous fin rays. Their venom is dangerous to humans, causing fever, vomiting, heartburn, heart failure, and even death. While rarely fatal to adult humans, it is especially dangerous to children, the elderly, those with weak immune systems, and people with allergies to the venom.
Habitat: The Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea
Treatment: Normally, the affected area should be quickly submerged in hot water which breaks down the proteins in the venom, lowering pain and symptoms. The recommended temperature is 110ºF to 115ºF. Using warmer water can risk burning the victim. Medical services should be contacted in case of an allergic reaction.
7. Fire coral
Despite the name, fire coral isn’t even real coral — they’re animals closely related to jellyfish. It’s actually quite common for divers to make contact with the fire coral. Upon contact, the victim feels burning pain caused by venomous discharge that is found externally on the creature. In rare cases, the venom can cause systemic toxicity.
Habitat: The Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans as well as the Caribbean Sea
Treatment: Saltwater is typically used to clean the wound caused by fire coral’s venom. Vinegar can also be used to treat the venom. It’s very important to remove the discharge, using either tweezers or tape, having treated the wound with alcohol or acid. Hydrocortisone cream can also be used to treat any itching. Contact medical services if the victim has an allergic reaction to the venom or if there are other severe circumstances.
Bonus: Platypus
Technically more semiaquatic than marine, the platypus is a strange animal. It looks like a cross between a duck and a beaver. It’s a mammal but the female lays eggs and has no nipples, sweating out milk to feed its young. But the male platypus has poisonous spurs on its ankle. The males normally use it to fight rivals during mating season, but they have been known to attack humans if provoked.
Habitat: Australian rivers and streams
Treatment: Generally, platypus venom is not fatal to humans and there has never been a reported case of someone dying from getting stung. Interestingly, morphine is unable to treat the pain, with doctors often having to treat victims with local anesthesia injections. On the other hand, scientists believe they can use this same venom to treat diabetes in humans.
What are some other venomous animals you know about? Please share with us in the comments!
