Many people, when talking about poisonous animals, think only of spiders, scorpions and snakes, forgetting, for example, the fish. There are several fish that can harm human health, however, few people know the risks. As an example of venomous fish, we can mention the sea catfish, which cause a lot of damage to bathers on the Brazilian coast, especially in the Southeast region.
→ sea catfish
Sea catfish are animals belonging to the Ariidae family. In Brazil, the species that occurs more abundantly and causes a large number of accidents is the yellow catfish (cathorops spixii). These fish are found in shallow coastal waters and in areas with a muddy or sandy bottom. They are present all over the coast, but they are found mainly in the Southeast and South regions of the country.
Sea catfish vary in size, ranging from small to medium-sized species. They usually live in groups, which can range from five to ten individuals. A striking feature of catfish is the presence of barbels, a kind of mustache with sensory functions that helps the fish to locate its prey.
The stinger of marine catfish is located in the fins, with one being in the distal region of each pectoral fin and one in the dorsal region. It is worth noting that catfish venom is found in three sources: in stingers, in glands at the base of the spines and in mucus produced by the so-called “club cells”.
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→ Accidents with marine catfish
Marine catfish accidents typically occur when bathers walk along the beach and accidentally step on dead specimens or when fishermen handle their fishing nets. Therefore, it is necessary to always observe the place where you walk and obey the safety rules.
Catfish are responsible for a very unpleasant clinical picture. Usually the patient who comes in contact with his poison feels intense and prolonged pain in the area, which can last up to six hours. There may also be cramp, paralysis, swelling and even necrosis of the area affected by the fish. In addition, the patient may experience great malaise accompanied by fever, vomiting and sweating.
ATTENTION: In cases of accidents with catfish, it is important not to remove the stinger and seek medical attention immediately. It is also important not to put compresses. It is only recommended to soak the affected region in hot water.
By Ma. Vanessa dos Santos
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
SANTOS, Vanessa Sardinha dos. "Sea catfish poison"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/biologia/veneno-dos-bagres-marinhos.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.
