Aquatic Creatures to steer clear of. . .

[CastMaster]

Aquatic Creatures to steer clear of. . .

Generally when we think of dangerous creatures that inhabit the water; we think of creatures such as sharks, stingrays, and barracuda. Although these creatures are dangerous, they are not the leading cause for injury amongst aquatic visitors. Both fresh and salt water ecosystems contain organisms that if not treated with respect can inflict pain and even cause death. Listed below are a number of organisms frequently encountered by humans, with "suggested" treatments for each. Recommended treatment should not substitute for consulting a doctor, and if-in-fact contact is made with any of the creatures listed below consulting a certified physician is strongly recommended.

Venomous

* Rays - Few members of the ray family are actually harmful to humans. The most common is the stingray, which is equipped with a venom gland and a barb at the base of its tail. These creatures bury themselves in the sand near shore in order to hide themselves from predators, and to feed crustaceans. Though, not aggressive, stingrays pose a high risk to the unexpected wader. When stung, a victim will generally experience instance localized pain in the area affected. Aside from pain, a victim may experience; intense bleeding, a drop in blood pressure, sweating, arrhythmia, and muscular paralysis. In worst case scenarios a victim may go into anaphylactic shock. Note: If you are allergic to bees there is a very good chance that the sting of a stingray is going to react in the same manner.

Treatment - Cleanse the wound and immediately soak the affected area in water as hot as possible without causing additional trauma. If swelling continues or if an allergic reaction is suspected dial 911 immediately.

* Fish - There are hundreds of species of venomous fish through out the coastal United States. Scientist divide these fish into two groups: the scorpion fish and the stonefish. These two types of fish are primarily bottom feeders and are not ferocious in nature. Most encounters with these fish happen with individuals wading through tide pools, and fisherman as they try and remove them from their hooks. The venom of the both the scorpion fish and the stonefish is stored in sacs located in spines that run along their dorsal fins. Being stung, results in intense pain, while other symptoms may follow such as: convulsions nervous disturbances and even cardiac failure.

Treatment - Cleanse the wound and immediately soak the affected area in water as hot as possible without causing additional trauma. Treatment should elevate pain, reduce the effects of the venom, and prevent secondary infection. Most if not all occurrences should be followed up by a physician.

* Jellyfish - Jellyfish are free swimming, range in size from a few inches to several feet in diameter. They generally appear on seasonal a basis, and for the most part are considered relatively harmless. There are several species though, such as the Australian Sea Wasp that has the potential to cause death in humans after several minutes upon contact. Pain associated with jellyfish is a mild to intense burning sensation that goes away relatively quickly with treatment.

Treatment - ensure that all of the tentacles are removed, this can be accomplished by the aid of a cloth or any other form of material that will act as a barrier between you and the tentacles. Next, apply copious amounts of distilled vinegar to the affected area. Note: Do not apply fresh water or ammonia to the area. Application of fresh water and ammonia has been found to increase the effects of the toxin.

* Portuguese Man–of-War - The Portuguese man-of-war is mistakenly confused as a jellyfish for which it is closely related. The Portuguese man-of-war is not one creature, but a colony of many, called hydroids. Within the United States they are primarily found within the Gulf Stream of the North Atlantic. Individuals are stung when they come in contact with the tentacles of the creature. Following contact individuals will experience intense pain that can last for a couple of hours to days. Some cases may warrant alarm for paralysis or shock

Treatment - ensure that all of the tentacles are removed, this can be accomplished by the aid of a cloth or any other form of material that will act as a barrier between you and the tentacles. Next, apply copious amounts of distilled vinegar to the affected area. Note: Do not apply fresh water or ammonia to the area. Application of fresh water and ammonia has been found to increase the effects of the toxin. Consultation of a doctor is strongly recommended.

* Cone Shells - Cone shells are found Indo/Pacific region, and are generally less than six inches in length. The animal itself is a snail that has the capability of injecting a powerful toxin that has been known to cause numbness and paralysis in the face. Death is not probable, but has occurred in some cases.

Treatment - Soak the wound in hot water in order to elevate pain monitor symptoms, and consult the nearest medical facility.

* Sea Urchins - Urchins are found in areas most commonly associated with inter tidal zones, and places that have a multitude of crevices. Urchins come equipped with a facet of venomous organs in the form of spines, and have the potential to penetrate protective clothing. If inflicted with a spine from an urchin an individual could expect to experience the following symptoms: intense burning sensation, redness, swelling, and aching.

Treatment - Remove spines if necessary and cleanse the wound thoroughly in order to reduce secondary infection. If pain is persistent; it can be alleviated with the use of hot water.

* Aquatic Snakes - When thought of; the most common form of aquatic snake that lives in and around water is the sea snake. Found primarily within tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific the sea snake is not aggressive, but if provoked it will inflict a bite that is extremely dangerous to humans. In North America a species of viper commonly known as the water moccasin or cottonmouth is extremely aggressive, and highly venomous. If bitten toxic signs begin appearing within several minutes and can include malaise, euphoria, muscles spasms, respiratory problems, blurred vision, convulsions, unconsciousness, and shock.

Treatment - Do not attempt to remedy the bite on your own! When bitten stay calm; as not to elevate your heart rate, thus increasing the spread of the venom, and immediately seek the nearest medical facility.


Non Venomous

* Coral - Coral is a immeasurable arrangement of living organisms that work conjointly to form one of the worlds largest living structures. Coral is not poisonous, but it does have the potential to inflict pain. It can cause abrasions, welts, cuts, and itching. If left untreated or un-cleansed; an infliction can turn into a severe infection.

Treatment - All wounds resulting from the contact with coral should be rinsed thoroughly with fresh water. If cuts or abrasions are severe enough they should be attended to accordingly.

* Leeches - Leaches are not detrimentally harmful to humans, though they do make small incisions in the skin in order to withdraw blood from the body. When a leech is removed these incisions can bleed profusely for a brief time period, yet there are no ramification that result other than emotional.

Treatment - There are numerous ways to remove leeches; one of the most common ways is to place salt directly on the leach causing it to detach itself, and further killing the leech.

* Mollusks/Barnacles - these creatures are found all over the world and in most water ways except for barnacle which are only found in salt water. Each can cause sever lacerations and are extremely susceptible to infection. Whenever the presence of these creatures it is advised to wear adequate protection.

Treatment - Contact usually results in mildly severe lacerations, and should be treated accordingly. The site of injury should be cleansed thoroughly with sterile water and monitored for infection.

source: http://www.hobieca.....les.html#creatures

[tunatamer4]

One you forgot to mention is GATORS.

Here in North Kackalacky and on south these inhabit our rivers and marshlands and are not to be fooled with.

So don't encourage "Jimmy" to go catch the big lizard.

Thanks for the heads up.

[livetofishnj]

Snakes and Gators and Bugs...Oh My!!!

suddenly, being 100 miles offshore at the canyon in a kayak is becoming less insane by comparison

[wajdi]

And don't forget the dastardly hardhead catfish, which hurts a bunch when one flops off the line and lands in your lap. Spines can carry a really nasty infection, too.

[BarryTurano]

There is also an abundance of Lion Fish 40 to 50 miles offshore NC. Pretty to look at BAD to touch. This info from Texs Tackle report. http://www.texstackle.com/report.php

[alxman2021]

Might wanna stay clear of manatee too. If they spook while you're on top of them, hang on for one heck of a ride.

[La Gringa]

Been there done this one - and a horrible experience it was:

* Portuguese Man–of-War - The Portuguese man-of-war is mistakenly confused as a jellyfish for which it is closely related. The Portuguese man-of-war is not one creature, but a colony of many, called hydroids. Within the United States they are primarily found within the Gulf Stream of the North Atlantic. Individuals are stung when they come in contact with the tentacles of the creature. Following contact individuals will experience intense pain that can last for a couple of hours to days. Some cases may warrant alarm for paralysis or shock

Treatment - ensure that all of the tentacles are removed, this can be accomplished by the aid of a cloth or any other form of material that will act as a barrier between you and the tentacles. Next, apply copious amounts of distilled vinegar to the affected area. Note: Do not apply fresh water or ammonia to the area. Application of fresh water and ammonia has been found to increase the effects of the toxin. Consultation of a doctor is strongly recommended.