Red Sea species hazardous to humans
Although most species in the Red Sea pose no threat to humans, there are a few notable exceptions.
Biting and wounding fish
- The tiger shark is considered to be one of the most dangerous sharks to humans.[1] Although it is found in the Red Sea it is not usually seen near reefs during the daytime.
- The Grey reef shark is territorial and may be aggressive, and has been involved in non-fatal attacks on divers.[2]
- Balistoides viridescens, the Titan triggerfish, will guard its nest aggressively if eggs are present. Attacks can be severe and leave wounds requiring stitches.[2]
- Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus, the Yellowmargin triggerfish, is another large triggerfish and should not be disturbed if tending to eggs.
- Moray eels such as the Giant moray are only occasionally aggressive; most bites result from divers putting a hand into the hole in which the eel lives.
- Surgeonfishes have sheathed or fixed blades at the base of the tail which can inflict deep wounds (the yellow stripe on the Sohal tang pictured).
Stinging and venomous fish
- The spines on the back of the Stonefish are venomous and can penetrate a rubber-soled shoe. The fish is extremely well camouflaged and care should be taken to avoid stepping on it. The venom can be fatal.[3]
- Lionfish such as Pterois miles have stinging spines which rarely inflict a fatal wound but which may be extremely painful.
- Scorpionfish have venomous spines similar to those of the stonefish, and although the venom is less deadly it may still prove fatal.
- The dorsal, pelvic and anal fins of the Rabbitfishes have venomous spines, capable of inflicting painful wounds.
- Stingrays have sharp detachable spines at the base of the tail, capable of causing severe wounds. Pictured is the Bluespotted ribbontail ray.
Poisonous fish
- Pufferfish, including this masked puffer accumulate a neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin in their skin and internal organs. This toxin is extremely potent and has been responsible for many fatalities.[2]
- Boxfish also accumulate tetrodotoxin and are poisonous to eat. This is the Yellow boxfish, Ostracion cubicus which is widespread in the Red Sea.
Ciguatera poison
Ciguatera poisoning is a danger posed by fish at the top of the food chain, in particular the Twinspot snapper and Giant moray. These fish accumulate a toxin produced by a dinoflagellate which is eaten by their prey species. Ciguatera poisoning can be fatal.
Invertebrates
- Fire coral, millepora spp is a hydrozoan which has stinging nematocysts on its surface. The chief danger of fire coral is to snorkellers or divers brushing against it.
- Crown-of-thorns starfishes are covered in spines which have a venomous sheath. The venom may cause highly painful wounds and even paralysis.
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References
- Daley, Audrey (1994). Shark. Hodder & Stroughton. ISBN 0-340-61654-7.
- Lieske, E. and Myers, R.F. (2004) Coral reef guide; Red Sea London, HarperCollins ISBN 0-00-715986-2
- Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2007). "Synanceia verrucosa" in FishBase. 5 2007 version.
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