Venomous fish on the reefs: what you know saves you

Venomous fish in the sea do not attack divers. Injuries always happen because of an unintended touch or step.

Lionfish

Among the most beautiful and most dangerous fish. The spines on its back and sides are venomous and cause severe pain, and they are rarely fatal. Never touch it.

Stonefish

Among the most venomous fish. It sits fully camouflaged on rocks and sand and looks like a stone. The real danger comes from stepping on it in shallow depths.

The stingray or syringe fish

It defends itself with a venomous barb on its spine when pressed. It sits on the sand and you may not see it.

If you are exposed to venom

• Immerse the affected area in hot water above 45 degrees; it breaks down the venom protein
• Go to emergency care immediately
• Do not squeeze the wound or suck it

The best prevention

• Do not put your hands or feet on any rock without seeing what is under it
• Do not touch any fish, however gentle it looks
• Walking on the seabed in shallow water should always be in water boots

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Preventing sea venoms is not hard. The golden rule: do not touch what you do not know.