Spiderfish

On the sea coasts of the eastern part of the Atlantic Ocean, certain marine accidents caused by fish often occur. A particular case is the “sting” of the spider fish (genus Trachinus ) which, through the spines of its retractable dorsal fin, inoculates poison and causes deep pain in people. In this interesting article from Green Ecology we tell you about what the spider fish is, what its characteristics are and what to do with its sting.

 

What is a spiderfish and its characteristics

Also known as scorpion fish, dragon fish, viper fish, white spider, wild pout , among other common names. The spiderfish refers to four of the species belonging to the Trachinus genus within the Perciformes order.

1. Trachinus the dragon

2. Trachinus araneus

3. Trachinus radiated

4. Viper’s Snake

These fishes are distributed in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, in the Mediterranean Sea, in the Cantabrian Sea, in the Black Sea and even on the northern coast of the African continent.

 Let’s now learn about 12 characteristics that define the spider fish.

1. Spider fish lives in muddy or sandy places at depths of less than 100 metres . In summer it can be found near the coast . Generally, it remains half-buried in mud or sand.
2. It has a size that ranges from 15 centimeters in the case of Trachinus vipera and up to approximately 50 centimeters in Trachinus draco and Trachinus araneus .
3. Its body is compressed and elongated.
4. It is yellowish brown in colour and has black spots on the sides. Depending on the species, it may also have bluish spots.
5. The eyes are located on the top of the head and are close together, so when they are half buried they can see their surroundings well.
6. They have a large, obliquely positioned mouth.
7. Its first dorsal fin is short, dark and has poisonous spines .
8. The operculum ends in a short, stout spine and is also poisonous.
9. It is a carnivorous species: it feeds on small fish , crustaceans and mollusks .
10. Spiderfish venom mostly acts like as a defense against it predators.
11. It causes accidental injuries to people who accidentally step on the fish in its environment or handle it outside its habitat.
12. Its conservation status is of least concern according to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).

Symptoms of spiderfish bite

The venom-producing glands are connected via small canals to the spines of the first dorsal fin and the spine of the operculum .

The penetration of the spines together with the inoculation of the venom, cause the rupture of the tegumentary covering in the victims, generally of the lower and upper limbs. The injected toxin is of a glycoprotein nature, is sensitive to trypsin and heat, is neurotoxic and some of the symptoms it causes in humans are:

Urticaria, vasoconstriction, superficial or deep necrosis and sometimes gangrene may appear in the area of ​​the bite .

• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Increased body temperature ( fever )
• Nausea and vomiting
• Generalized sweating
• Loss of consciousness
• Muscle cramps

Rarely, muscle paralysis, arrhythmias and respiratory distress may occur. Cases of death are exceptional, very rare, and are associated with intravascular penetration of the venous system. What will you do if you will get stung by a by a spider fish then what will you do.

Will it be harmful for you?

In the event of an accidental sting from a spider fish, it is best to go to the nearest health Centre where the patient can be treated by professionals and given the appropriate medication.

In any case, in an emergency it is advisable to follow these tips:

1. The first thing to do is to disinfect and clean the affected area. since sometimes the wound can become infected. Because there are remains of the animal in question or broken spines. Bacteria that are common in marine environments enter, such as those of the Vibrio genus .
2. The most common treatment that doctors usually apply and recommend is local heat , either through cloths or hot water. Generally, a temperature of up to 45 ºC is recommended, which is what humans can tolerate without causing injury. Heat is an effective treatment because the venom is thermolabile and can be inactivated by high temperatures.

Treatment based on analgesics is also often recommended to reduce pain. It is our duty as disseminators to clarify that under no circumstances should tourniquets or suction be applied to wounds to try to remove the venom. This can cause vascular complications and the wound can become infected. Furthermore, in the case of suctioning the venom, the person who performs the suction can be poisoned.

Finally, you may be wondering how to prevent a spiderfish sting . In order to prevent stings from these animals we must enter the sea with a slow and attentive gait. Wear appropriate footwear. Handle the fish very carefully out of the water and use thick gloves.

Now that you know all this about the spider fis. its characteristics and what to do with its sting. we encourage you to learn about more animals that are poisonous.