The following is an excerpt....
BASICS
Description
Marine envenomation refers to poisoning caused by sting or bite from a vertebrate or invertebrate marine species.
Etiology
- Sponges:
- Contain sharp spicules with irritants that cause pruritic dermatitis
- Coelenterates (Cnidaria jellyfish):
- Contain stinging cells known as nematocysts on their tentacles
- Fluid-filled cysts eject sharp, hollow thread-tube on contact.
- Thread-tube penetrates skin and envenomates the victim.
- Box jellyfish can kill within 60 sec.
- Starfish:
- Sharp, rigid spines are coated with slimy venom.
- Sea urchins:
- Hollow, sharp spines filled with various toxins
- Sea cucumbers:
- Hollow tentacles secrete holothurin, a liquid toxin.
- Cone shells:
- Venom injected through dartlike, detachable tooth
- Active peptides interfere with neuromuscular transmission.
- Presents with puncture wounds similar to wasp stings
- Stingrays:
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