Severity of a sting from scorpionfish/waspfish

Terryz_ · 09/03/2012, 07:56 PM

I am having a 3 Paracentropogon longispinis waspfish, and 1 Sebastapistes strongia scorpionfish.. I have been hesitanting to put my hands too deep into my tank.. The waspfish are fine as I can see them at the corner where they alway hang out.. It is the scorpionfish that I am worried about as it is always behind the rockworks and it is small so it is difficult to spot it before..

Is there any precautions that I can take, would letax gloves work?

And in a event I got stung, other than immersing my wound in hot water, what can I do before going to the hospital?

FMarini · 09/03/2012, 09:32 PM

in general terms, getting stung hurts, alot.
Im not sure what to tell you except keep your eyes on the fish and make sure you dont get too close.
Should the worst case scenario happen, expect the S strongia to pack more punch, as it has shorter more rigid spines, and in the scoprionfish world, more venom delivery= more intensity.
However,there is no reason i can think of why you should be getting stung, unless your careless.
Lastly, as "what to do", first off- dont get stung.
second, yes immerse the site in hot non-scalding water for a minimum of 30 min, it will reduce the severity of the sting, but will only slightly reduce the intensity. AS for going to the hospital, thats up to you.
Lastly, no latex gloves wont help, there are needle proof gloves that surgeons wear when suturing under pools of blood, these might bring relief, but then again, no guarantees

nirvanaandtool · 09/04/2012, 06:20 AM

Can you have a friend be a spotter if you need to do serious work on the tank? Maybe have them watch the wasps and scorp for you as you are working. A second set of eyes can't hurt.

likefish · 09/04/2012, 08:31 AM

While diving a year ago I kneeled on a scorpionfish. The intitial sting hurt but then the pain began!

He "stung" my under my kneecap. The injection site was sore but then i started to feel a cramp move up my leg and my hip began to hurt then REALLY began to hurt. At this poing fearing an allergic or anaphylactic reaction i went back to the boat.

The nest 30 minutes were the longest of my life. I vomited several times from the pain and could get no relief. The pain was again focused in my hip, deep in the joint. it slowly subsided and after about an hour i was able to functino normallya gain. The injection site became slightly swollen, sore and stiff. It ached for about 3 months.

These little critters are no joke! Just my 2cents. O-yea, a latex glove will offer no protetion.

namxas · 09/04/2012, 09:15 AM

That's cool that you found a specimen of S. strongia...they don't show up often in the trade.

About the only thing you really need to worry about is putting your hand down on one of the fish, as IME with both species, they pretty much hunker down and stay put, even if you get close. Just take note of the fishes' locations when you start work.

FWIW, waspfish venom is actually more potent than scorp venom (drop for drop), but as Frank pointed out, the AMOUNT of venom delivered makes a big difference, as does the duration of exposure as well as where on your body you take the hit.

Don't worry...just be mindful and you'll be fine. Do your work in a non-threatening manner so the fish don't spook, and both you and the fish will get used to each other (one of our waspfish (a cockatoo) actually perches in my hand every so often if I let her do so).

Terryz_ · 09/04/2012, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nirvanaandtool

Can you have a friend be a spotter if you need to do serious work on the tank? Maybe have them watch the wasps and scorp for you as you are working. A second set of eyes can't hurt.

Hahaha, That is a good idea but not really practical... Haha...

Terryz_ · 09/04/2012, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by likefish

While diving a year ago I kneeled on a scorpionfish. The intitial sting hurt but then the pain began!

He "stung" my under my kneecap. The injection site was sore but then i started to feel a cramp move up my leg and my hip began to hurt then REALLY began to hurt. At this poing fearing an allergic or anaphylactic reaction i went back to the boat.

The nest 30 minutes were the longest of my life. I vomited several times from the pain and could get no relief. The pain was again focused in my hip, deep in the joint. it slowly subsided and after about an hour i was able to functino normallya gain. The injection site became slightly swollen, sore and stiff. It ached for about 3 months.

These little critters are no joke! Just my 2cents. O-yea, a latex glove will offer no protetion.

OMG, it sounds so bad... I guess I will not really be applying pressure on the fish, I am just afraid that it will swim near to my hand and by accident got stung by it.. As the waspfish are very active during feeding and will swim up into the water column but for the scorpion it is always hiding and popped out for a brief period to feed and I dont see it again for the whole day until the next feeding..

Terryz_ · 09/04/2012, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by namxas

That's cool that you found a specimen of S. strongia...they don't show up often in the trade.

About the only thing you really need to worry about is putting your hand down on one of the fish, as IME with both species, they pretty much hunker down and stay put, even if you get close. Just take note of the fishes' locations when you start work.

FWIW, waspfish venom is actually more potent than scorp venom (drop for drop), but as Frank pointed out, the AMOUNT of venom delivered makes a big difference, as does the duration of exposure as well as where on your body you take the hit.

Don't worry...just be mindful and you'll be fine. Do your work in a non-threatening manner so the fish don't spook, and both you and the fish will get used to each other (one of our waspfish (a cockatoo) actually perches in my hand every so often if I let her do so).

It looks like a Strongia from the ID photos as it was not listed in the pricelist, it was sold as assorted scorpionfish.. They are pretty small now... 2inch max? They are new to the tank as I was hesitant to put them in but one somehow escaped so I released all into the tank..

I guess I have to take note when I do anything..

YIKES, if my waspfish do that to me I will freak out.. LOL!!

namxas · 09/04/2012, 02:16 PM

I had to hold my hand out and beneath the fish as it began sinking out of the water column (waspfish don't have functional swim bladders), and let it land there. After doing that a couple of times, the wasp will now come over and chill in my hand if it feels like it.

Not something I recommend by any means, but I was curious to see just how tame this particular specimen was.

Nighthawk31 · 09/04/2012, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by namxas

I had to hold my hand out and beneath the fish as it began sinking out of the water column (waspfish don't have functional swim bladders), and let it land there. After doing that a couple of times, the wasp will now come over and chill in my hand if it feels like it.

Not something I recommend by any means, but I was curious to see just how tame this particular specimen was.

You have a waspfish eating out of your hand!? YOU ARE THE MAN!

nirvanaandtool · 09/05/2012, 06:24 AM

Greg is the Waspfish Whisperer

Terryz_ · 09/05/2012, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by namxas

I had to hold my hand out and beneath the fish as it began sinking out of the water column (waspfish don't have functional swim bladders), and let it land there. After doing that a couple of times, the wasp will now come over and chill in my hand if it feels like it.

Not something I recommend by any means, but I was curious to see just how tame this particular specimen was.

That is very daring of you!! But it is amazing...

Terryz_ · 09/05/2012, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nirvanaandtool

Greg is the Waspfish Whisperer

Can get him to whisper to my waspfish.. LOL!!!

nirvanaandtool · 09/05/2012, 10:49 AM

I have a feeling most Waspfish would just be saying "More Food!"

namxas · 09/05/2012, 11:29 AM

It just SITS in my hand every so often...altho if eating from a "stealth stick" is eating from my hand, yes. ;-)

And Ralph is right...they're basically saying "FEED me, Seymore!"

Woogiekids · 09/05/2012, 10:45 PM

I pet my goblins.

Wait that didn't sound right...

Terryz_ · 09/06/2012, 12:06 AM

Haha.. you seriously pet your goblin? Lol..

namxas · 09/06/2012, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woogiekids

I pet my goblins.

Wait that didn't sound right...

It's a good thing there's no "Let's have some fun" thread here...

Woogiekids · 09/06/2012, 09:26 AM

I really just do it freak my kids out. It's quite amusing.

"MOM! They're related to STONEFISH! You're gonna DIE!"

Terryz_ · 09/06/2012, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woogiekids

I really just do it freak my kids out. It's quite amusing.

"MOM! They're related to STONEFISH! You're gonna DIE!"

It is very amusing!!! I would freak out too... LOL... Actually I freaked out when the worker at the shop put his hand into a tank full of longipinnis to take out the pipes for me to chose them... LOL..

Woogiekids · 09/06/2012, 09:56 AM

They're all been in my tank long enough that they're like puppies. I probably have a false sense of security, lol. I also have a pair of dwarf fuzzies that follow my hand around like dogs because they want food. Every once in awhile I feel their spines brush my hand, and I'm like "hmmmm..."

Terryz_ · 09/06/2012, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woogiekids

They're all been in my tank long enough that they're like puppies. I probably have a false sense of security, lol. I also have a pair of dwarf fuzzies that follow my hand around like dogs because they want food. Every once in awhile I feel their spines brush my hand, and I'm like "hmmmm..."

nirvanaandtool · 09/06/2012, 10:29 AM

Petting goblins. You are crazy.

Woogiekids · 09/06/2012, 10:31 AM

Awwww come on Ralph. You knew this already...

-

nirvanaandtool · 09/06/2012, 10:43 AM

Did I? Or did I forget it because its that insane.

09/03/2012, 07:56 PM	#1
Terryz_ Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 1,095	Severity of a sting from scorpionfish/waspfish I am having a 3 Paracentropogon longispinis waspfish, and 1 Sebastapistes strongia scorpionfish.. I have been hesitanting to put my hands too deep into my tank.. The waspfish are fine as I can see them at the corner where they alway hang out.. It is the scorpionfish that I am worried about as it is always behind the rockworks and it is small so it is difficult to spot it before.. Is there any precautions that I can take, would letax gloves work? And in a event I got stung, other than immersing my wound in hot water, what can I do before going to the hospital?

09/03/2012, 09:32 PM	#2
FMarini 10 & Over Club Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Winston-Salem, NC Posts: 5,260	in general terms, getting stung hurts, alot. Im not sure what to tell you except keep your eyes on the fish and make sure you dont get too close. Should the worst case scenario happen, expect the S strongia to pack more punch, as it has shorter more rigid spines, and in the scoprionfish world, more venom delivery= more intensity. However,there is no reason i can think of why you should be getting stung, unless your careless. Lastly, as "what to do", first off- dont get stung. second, yes immerse the site in hot non-scalding water for a minimum of 30 min, it will reduce the severity of the sting, but will only slightly reduce the intensity. AS for going to the hospital, thats up to you. Lastly, no latex gloves wont help, there are needle proof gloves that surgeons wear when suturing under pools of blood, these might bring relief, but then again, no guarantees __________________ Fish die belly-up and float to the surface: its their way of falling- Andre Gide

09/04/2012, 06:20 AM	#3
nirvanaandtool Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Charm City Posts: 718	Can you have a friend be a spotter if you need to do serious work on the tank? Maybe have them watch the wasps and scorp for you as you are working. A second set of eyes can't hurt. __________________ -Ralph Anglers, Scorps, & Mantis Shrimp, Oh My! Current Tank Info: 90RR Wrasse FOWLR

09/04/2012, 09:15 AM	#5
namxas Things With Stings R Us! Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Carson, CA Posts: 5,087	That's cool that you found a specimen of S. strongia...they don't show up often in the trade. About the only thing you really need to worry about is putting your hand down on one of the fish, as IME with both species, they pretty much hunker down and stay put, even if you get close. Just take note of the fishes' locations when you start work. FWIW, waspfish venom is actually more potent than scorp venom (drop for drop), but as Frank pointed out, the AMOUNT of venom delivered makes a big difference, as does the duration of exposure as well as where on your body you take the hit. Don't worry...just be mindful and you'll be fine. Do your work in a non-threatening manner so the fish don't spook, and both you and the fish will get used to each other (one of our waspfish (a cockatoo) actually perches in my hand every so often if I let her do so). __________________ Greg Current Tank Info: too many to describe, but i think the count is up to "lucky 13"!

09/04/2012, 02:16 PM	#9
namxas Things With Stings R Us! Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Carson, CA Posts: 5,087	I had to hold my hand out and beneath the fish as it began sinking out of the water column (waspfish don't have functional swim bladders), and let it land there. After doing that a couple of times, the wasp will now come over and chill in my hand if it feels like it. Not something I recommend by any means, but I was curious to see just how tame this particular specimen was. __________________ Greg Current Tank Info: too many to describe, but i think the count is up to "lucky 13"!

09/04/2012, 08:31 AM	#4
likefish Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: central florida Posts: 738	While diving a year ago I kneeled on a scorpionfish. The intitial sting hurt but then the pain began! He "stung" my under my kneecap. The injection site was sore but then i started to feel a cramp move up my leg and my hip began to hurt then REALLY began to hurt. At this poing fearing an allergic or anaphylactic reaction i went back to the boat. The nest 30 minutes were the longest of my life. I vomited several times from the pain and could get no relief. The pain was again focused in my hip, deep in the joint. it slowly subsided and after about an hour i was able to functino normallya gain. The injection site became slightly swollen, sore and stiff. It ached for about 3 months. These little critters are no joke! Just my 2cents. O-yea, a latex glove will offer no protetion.

09/05/2012, 06:24 AM	#11
nirvanaandtool Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Charm City Posts: 718	Greg is the Waspfish Whisperer __________________ -Ralph Anglers, Scorps, & Mantis Shrimp, Oh My! Current Tank Info: 90RR Wrasse FOWLR

09/05/2012, 10:49 AM	#14
nirvanaandtool Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Charm City Posts: 718	I have a feeling most Waspfish would just be saying "More Food!" __________________ -Ralph Anglers, Scorps, & Mantis Shrimp, Oh My! Current Tank Info: 90RR Wrasse FOWLR

09/05/2012, 11:29 AM	#15
namxas Things With Stings R Us! Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Carson, CA Posts: 5,087	It just SITS in my hand every so often...altho if eating from a "stealth stick" is eating from my hand, yes. ;-) And Ralph is right...they're basically saying "FEED me, Seymore!" __________________ Greg Current Tank Info: too many to describe, but i think the count is up to "lucky 13"!

09/05/2012, 10:45 PM	#16
Woogiekids Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: San Diego Posts: 551	I pet my goblins. Wait that didn't sound right...

09/06/2012, 12:06 AM	#17
Terryz_ Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 1,095	Haha.. you seriously pet your goblin? Lol..

09/06/2012, 09:26 AM	#19
Woogiekids Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: San Diego Posts: 551	I really just do it freak my kids out. It's quite amusing. "MOM! They're related to STONEFISH! You're gonna DIE!"

09/06/2012, 09:56 AM	#21
Woogiekids Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: San Diego Posts: 551	They're all been in my tank long enough that they're like puppies. I probably have a false sense of security, lol. I also have a pair of dwarf fuzzies that follow my hand around like dogs because they want food. Every once in awhile I feel their spines brush my hand, and I'm like "hmmmm..."

09/06/2012, 10:29 AM	#23
nirvanaandtool Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Charm City Posts: 718	Petting goblins. You are crazy. __________________ -Ralph Anglers, Scorps, & Mantis Shrimp, Oh My! Current Tank Info: 90RR Wrasse FOWLR

09/06/2012, 10:31 AM	#24
Woogiekids Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: San Diego Posts: 551	Awwww come on Ralph. You knew this already... -

09/06/2012, 10:43 AM	#25
nirvanaandtool Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Charm City Posts: 718	Did I? Or did I forget it because its that insane. __________________ -Ralph Anglers, Scorps, & Mantis Shrimp, Oh My! Current Tank Info: 90RR Wrasse FOWLR