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Sting Stories: Firsthand Experiences of Fish Envenomation Through a Small-Scale Questionnaire
Richard J Harris1, Silvia L Saggiomo2, Gillian Paxton3
1Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Cape Cleveland, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia.
Toxins
|March 26, 2025
Summary
Venomous fish stings cause severe pain. This study surveyed 121 individuals to understand their experiences with fish stings, pain, and treatments, offering insights for better first aid.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Toxicology
- Human Health
Background:
- Venomous fish stings inflict severe pain and can be increasingly common due to climate change affecting fish distribution.
- Understanding these encounters is crucial for developing effective first aid and treatments, especially for high-risk populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the firsthand experiences of individuals stung by venomous fish.
- To investigate the context, pain, pathophysiology, medical treatments, and long-term effects of fish stings.
Main Methods:
- An online questionnaire was administered to 121 participants with direct experience of fish stings.
- Data collected included sting circumstances, pain perception, and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- The study gathered valuable insights into the diverse experiences of fish sting victims.
- Findings highlight the significant pain and varied consequences associated with venomous fish encounters.
Conclusions:
- This survey-based approach effectively explored fish sting experiences.
- The methodology can be applied to understand other painful animal sting incidents.

