Fish are fascinating creatures, with some possessing special abilities. These include species that sting and inject painful toxins to protect themselves from perceived threats and predators. Many home aquarium owners love these fish because they are very interesting. However, they must exercise caution when caring for them. Let’s look at some species that can sting and share some crucial points for owners to remember.
1. Lionfish Stings Are Extremely Painful
The lionfish is a spectacular species with eye-catching stripes and spines. It makes a dramatic addition to any saltwater tank. There are several subspecies of deadly lionfish, including the dwarf zebra lionfish and the Fu Manchu lionfish. Owners should note that they are an invasive species in some jurisdictions, and it may even be illegal to keep them in some states. We recommend a 30-gallon tank for one lionfish because they grow up to 15 inches long. They need a pH of 8.1 to 8.4 and a water temperature of 74–80 degrees Fahrenheit.
While lionfish stings are very painful, they can usually be treated at home. In the absence of life-threatening complications, you should remove the spines and rinse the area with hot water. Effects of stinging include changes in heart rate, sweating, and fainting. Some stinging victims with underlying conditions may suffer cardiac arrests, requiring urgent medical care.
2. Foxface Rabbitfish Can Sting, But Rarely Do
This is another wonderful species with a distinctive appearance. The foxface rabbitfish is a member of the Siganidae family. It has a narrow snout and venomous spines in its fins. Owners must be very cautious when cleaning the tank because they can sting. However, it’s important to note that they rarely act aggressively. Usually, foxface rabbitfish only sting when they’re trying to defend themselves.
The good news about keeping foxface rabbitfish is that they’re very hardy. Apart from their sting, they make a good entry species for new owners. Unlike lionfish, they’re not pure carnivores. They love algae, so marine keepers should place algae sheets in the tank. The ideal tank temperature is 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit with a pH of 8.1 to 8.4.
We also advise a larger tank size of 125 gallons because these saltwater fish love exploring. Fun fact: It’s common for them to lose their vivid coloring if they experience stress. However, the color should eventually return once they calm down.
3. Stonefish Are Best Suited for Expert Aquarists
The stonefish isn’t a common aquarium fish, but some people do keep them. They’re a riskier species because of the intensity of their sting. Stonefish have 13 spines on their backs and can trigger serious symptoms after a successful attack. Severe pain is a guarantee, and they have a history of causing fatalities. Most aquarium workers must receive special training before they work with stonefish because of the risks involved. That’s why we don’t recommend caring for stonefish if you’ve no previous experience keeping aggressive saltwater fish.
Nonetheless, stonefish are an incredible species. They have versatile camouflage that allows them to blend perfectly into their surroundings. That alone makes it easy to see why people find them so fascinating. You’ll need a 150-gallon tank if you plan to keep a stonefish. Take extra care with tankmates because they’re very carnivorous and will gobble up smaller fish. They grow up to 14 inches long and require expert care.
4. Squirrelfish Aren’t Aggressive if Unthreatened
Squirrelfish exist on the other side of the stinging spectrum. They do possess a painful sting but nothing like the stonefish. The stinging site shouldn’t seriously impact a human beyond momentary pain. However, in some unusual cases, victims may experience more severe symptoms. The good news is that squirrelfish are not aggressive and almost always use stinging as a defense mechanism.
Squirrelfish are a good option for first-time aquarium owners. They’re hardy but docile and less dangerous than some of the species in this guide. Squirrelfish are nocturnal and shy so don’t expect much activity from them during the day. They prefer a temperature range of 72 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Most experts advise a minimum tank size of 70 gallons for several small squirrelfish.
Safety Tips for Cleaning Tanks with Stinging Fish
Owners must exercise extreme caution when cleaning tanks with stinging fish. Here are some considerations:
- Remove the fish using a net if you must clean the entire aquarium.
- Place them safely in a back-up tank. (This may be too much of a hassle if you’re just doing regular aquarium maintenance, like a partial water change.)
- Wear thick gloves to protect yourself from the fish’s sting.
- Use a piece of Perspex to keep the fish away from your hand or cleaning tools.
Finally, always keep a medical kit ready in case something goes wrong.
General Treatment for Pet Fish Stings
Here are some general tips for treating minor fish stings. More specific care may be necessary for some species or more serious stings:
1. First, victims should remove any spines from their skin with tweezers.
2. Wash the area with soap, water, and an anti-bacterial solution.
3. Soak the affected area in water as hot as you can stand for at least 10 minutes.
4. Take an anti-inflammatory to reduce swelling and pain.
When to Seek Medical Care After Being Stung
After being stung by your pet fish, you should immediately seek medical care if you or another person suffer severe symptoms. These may include excessive pain and serious muscle aching. Sometimes, people suffer paralysis or faint. If you can’t remove the spines or believe there are some embedded in your skin, you should seek medical attention. A doctor may perform an x-ray or another examination to check if there are any remaining.
