Various invertebrates and how they can hurt me

[rjpv]

So, occasionally I hear stories about... unfortunate run-ins with pretty sea-based organisms.

This makes me wonder, because my training in scuba class consisted of "do not drag yourself/your stuff along the bottom, do not touch anything pretty/ugly, don't grab shark's tales".

So, in terms of ouch potential, what are the real concerns? Can/will a jellyfish tag me through my wetsuit (or my exposed skin)? What about an anemone? Urchin? Other critters?

 

[Mantasscareme]

Well, the box jelly and irukundji are the real famous ones. Both are found in Australian waters, both appear seasonally. The irukundji would be small enough to swim in your wetsuit. Strangly enough, I heard they can't sting through nylon.

 

[scubapolly]

A box jelly is the only thing I'm really "afraid" of.
Most of the others are just a annoying discomfort, but the box jelly can land you in the hospital.
Blue ringed octopus can be lethal too.

Fire coral, fire sponge, and bearded fire worms all burn- just as their name implies.

Diadema- the long spine sea urchin can punture the foot, break off inside- very painful, and has the potential to become infected.

Sea lice (larval jellyfish) is a pain, but just produces a rash.

Although as far as true risk factors go- I'd be willing to be you are more likely to be hit by a boat when diving than severely injured by any of the previously mentioned critters.

 

[H2Andy]

scubapolly, luckily the blue ringed octo only bites you in self-defense

the fragging box jellies hang out and lash out at will. nasty little buggers

one time i got nailed by a larval jellyfish (at least i think it was) on my upper lip.
swelled up something fierce. my wife still makes fun of me. i called her that
night, and i was like "ibe bot bit by a belly bish bin my bip"

 

[The Chairman]

95% of all injuries from aquatic organisms are defensive in nature: your teacher taught you well!

Getting your buoyancy and trim right goes a LONG way to avoiding any injury. I have been in the ocean TONS of times and I gaurantee that the only REAL danger is with a DAMsel fish (accent on the DAM). My only injury and scar (that I can think of). My ear will never be the same!

 

[rjpv]

So can the box jellies sting through a wetsuit?

And the urchins... if you brush them do they thrust themselves into you or do you actually have to literally step on one to suffer?

 

[Arete]

So can the box jellies sting through a wetsuit?

In short no.

The barb on the polyp, which stings you is microscopic, and hence has minimal penetrating power. In Northern Queensland, they sell lycra "stinger suits" which protect swimmers from box jellyfish stings. I have been taught that you can make a poor man's version from two pairs of pantyhose, but am not sure I could put up with the sting in my pride by wearing such a contraption.

 

[Freds@Aquanauts]

Ran into a Box, whilst diving at about 14m and promptly warhammered myself. Seriously though, you just have to be aware and steer clear of trouble, Murphy comes looking for you - you dont need to go looking for him...

Freds

 

[tankajava]

In short no.

The barb on the polyp, which stings you is microscopic, and hence has minimal penetrating power. In Northern Queensland, they sell lycra "stinger suits" which protect swimmers from box jellyfish stings. I have been taught that you can make a poor man's version from two pairs of pantyhose, but am not sure I could put up with the sting in my pride by wearing such a contraption.

This is how lycra/spandex dive skins originated. Aussie surf rescue folks used to don one pair regualr style and cut out the crotch from a larger size for the top. The nylon provided enough of a barrier to jelly nematocysts and prevented thier barbed tips from reaching the skin.


Handling live cone shells also has its risks. Several species - notably Conus geographus , Conus textile , and others can deliver a powerful conotoxin with potentially fatal results. These shells deliver their venom through modified barbed teeth (radula) to quickly subdue the fish they feed on. The proboscis housing the hollow radular tooth and duct can extend back beyond the body whorl and tip to deliver its sting. Best policy is as you have been instructed - do not handle ANY live marine creature.

TOJ

 

[Kwbyron]

yar, the sea be a tough mist'ress