lionfish killers be careful!

[Canadense]

Today, my hand is still swollen and it will be for a few more days after being a little complacent cutting the head off a lionfish that wasn't ready to die yet and got tagged by a fin yesterday. Oh mon, the pain was awful for about 3 hours-even with hot compresses. Please watch what you're doing, we would like to kill them, not let them tag divers.

 

[Cajuncru Diver]

Not fun, you have our sympathy. A few weeks ago we cut a dive short when our divemaster from Fantasy Island got nicked while removing one more Lionfish from the reef. That does hurt. Take care and hope you feel better soon!

 

[Sloeber]

I've been lucky. I've handled live aquarium lionfish for 15 years in my own aquariums and clients as well. Knock on wood, 'til this day I have still not been nailed by one of these guys. With my luck it'll happened while I'm diving and ruin a great day.

I have, OTOH, been sliced by a surgeonfish. Oh my, no stinger, but imagine a papercut down to the bone. Never saw the fish - was sticking my hand behind rockwork blind (in an aquarium). Have never done that since

As a side note and future reference, a heat compress isn't enough heat to kill the toxin. The hottest running water you can obtain and physically endure without burning your skin is what is needed. It also needs to happen quickly; within minutes, not after an hour long boat ride back to port. Best of luck for a speedy recovery.

 

[Doc]

The hottest running water you can obtain and physically endure without burning your skin is what is needed. It also needs to happen quickly; within minutes, not after an hour long boat ride back to port. Best of luck for a speedy recovery.

Use the outflow for coolant water of the engine.

Better yet? Enjoy your dive while visiting Roatan by looking for the many colorful tropicals and critters of the reef. Let the Lionfish harvest be handled by bored Divemasters and distracted guests.

 

[Cajuncru Diver]

enjoy your dive while visiting roatan by looking for the many colorful tropicals and critters of the reef. Let the lionfish harvest be handled by bored divemasters and distracted guests.

advice to live by!