How can you protect yourself from getting stung?
Just look every time your hand goes in your tank, Take it slow and be careful.
Can you die from getting stung by a Fuzzy Dwarf lionfish?
This info if from Lionfish Envenomations and the Aquarist / James W. Fatherree
In a series of 101 documented cases of captive lionfish envenomations in the US, the following effects were reported (Gallagher, 2001):
92% of patients experienced local pain
60% of patients experienced edema
13% of patients experienced systematic symptoms
1% of patients experienced tissue necrosis
0% of patients experienced death
In another study of 45 documented cases of captive lionfish envenomations reported to the San Francisco Poison Control Center over a 5 year span, the following effects were reported (Kizer, et al, 1985):
100% of patients experienced local pain
22% of patients experienced pain extending through the affected extremity
13% of patients experienced systemic symptoms
0% of patients experienced death
So, you should be convinced at this point that the odds of being seriously injured by a lionfish, while not null, are certainly slim if the wound is treated properly.
What should you do if you already got stung?
The venom is broken down very effectively by exposure to heat, and you can therefore soak or bathe the injured body part in water that is as hot as you can stand. This is normally around 110° to 114° F, and should not be any hotter as you'll risk scalding yourself and making matters worse.
Also is seafood from the grocery store safe for a lionfish?
Yes, you can buy from the grocery store, Foods such as Raw Shrimp, Octo, Squid, Scallops, Whiting chunks and so on....... Soak all foods in vitamins.
Kaye
