Some marine organisms have poisonous structures that they use to capture their prey, but when they come into contact with humans, they can cause itching, burning and redness of the skin, while other animals such as sea snakes can be very aggressive and dangerous if they are disturbed when they are swimming, feeding or simply resting. The following are some of the marine organisms that can cause problems and that we find along the Ruta del Sol or Ruta del Spondylus (Ecuador).
BAD WATER (Physalia sp., Sea nettle)
They are usually found when the tide is high or during the "water rush". They are generally not seen when they are floating in the water, because they have a gelatinous, transparent appearance; that is why they are called "bad water".
They have cells that paralyze their prey. When activated by contact, they "shoot", launching a stylet that penetrates the prey and injects the poisonous liquid (tetra-ammonium compound), which has a neurotoxic (paralyzing) action. Usually, "bad waters" capture fish and other organisms. When in contact with humans, it produces an itching or burning sensation.
Recommendations
• Calm down, try to get out of the water, do not scratch to avoid abrasions, find a shaded place and disinfect the wound with alcohol.
• If the person feels dizzy or nauseous, take them to a doctor
FIRE WORMS (Pareurithoe spirocirrata)
The "fire worm" can be found in puddles of water left behind by low tide or under rocks, but always buried in the sand.
The worm has fleshy lateral extensions with a large number of a type of needles, similar to capillary tubes, but filled with poison.
These, when they are disturbed or someone tries to catch them, as protection, roll up and erect their setae, which are fragile and brittle.
Recommendations
a.- Do not try to catch them or use them as bait for fishing.
b.- Walk with sandals on the sand where there are rocks, to avoid stepping on them.
In case of accidentally catching them, it is suggested:
c.- Do not scratch or try to remove the mushrooms with your hand (they are like needles), because this will cause them to go deeper and break.
d.- Calm down and avoid touching the affected area.
e.- Disinfect with alcohol.
f.- Using a magnifying glass and tweezers (watchmaker's tweezers), carefully remove the setae introduced into the skin one by one.
POISONOUS SNAILS
Conus perpurascens
On our coasts of Ecuador there are three families of poisonous snails, (Families: Turridae, Terebridae and Conidae), which have harpoon-shaped teeth, which communicate with a poison gland, that is why they are carnivorous and generally feed at night paralyzing small fish, worms and other mollusks. The most common and largest snails, which can cause certain discomfort to humans, are those that are cone-shaped (family Conidae).
Conid snails usually remain buried in the sand during the day, preferably at the base of rocks found in the intertidal zone.
Recommendations
a.- Do not pick them up or collect living organisms.
b.- Do not put your fingers in the opening of the shell
These snails are very striking due to their strong and bright colors, but that is precisely a characteristic of poisonous animals.
It is important to remember that the power or action of a "poisonous" substance depends on the sensitivity of each person and that an "allergic" person is often more "delicate" or sensitive to the action of toxins.
DANGEROUS MARINE REPTILES
Pelamis platurus (Sea snake)
There are about 50 species of sea snakes, which are very common and abundant in Asia, Japan, Australia and the Philippines, where they constitute another food resource.
People bitten by these marine reptiles have died within two and a half hours, although others may last up to 24 hours, dying from cardiac arrest or respiratory suffocation.
On the Ecuadorian coast, only one species has been found, Pelamis platurus (Linnaeus), which is dark brown on its upper part and bright yellow ventrally, these two colors being separated by a well-defined line. It is the only sea snake that reaches the western coasts of America. It is poisonous.
While they swim, they do so on the surface and only submerge to eat fish, crustaceans, etc., and can remain underwater for up to 8 hours. They are generally peaceful and are not aggressive towards humans if they are not disturbed; but if they are attacked or irritated, especially during the "heating" season, they attack with astonishing speed, just as land snakes do.
When on land they do not bite, but precautions must be taken to avoid accidental contact with their teeth.
In Ecuador there is no antidote (antivenom serum) for this poison. The poison acts on blood pressure, causing asphyxiation and a total drop in blood pressure.
BY: Dr. Manuel Cruz P.
Fountain: INOCATE
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