Lionfish and Other Scorpaenidae
The family Scorpaenidae are saltwater fish that are mostly bottom dwellers noted for their ability to camouflage themselves and disappear into the environment. There are 30 genera and about 300 species, some 30 of which can envenomate humans. Although they once were considered an occupational hazard only to commercial fishing, increasing contact with these fish by scuba divers and home aquarists has increased the frequency of envenomations.
Mechanism of toxicity. Envenomation usually occurs when the fish is being handled or stepped on or when the aquarist has hands in the tank. The dorsal, anal, and pectoral fins are supported by spines that are connected to venom glands. The fish will erect its spines and jab the victim, causing release of venom (and often sloughing of the integumentary sheath of the spine into the wound). The venom of all these organisms is a heat-labile mixture that is not completely characterized.
Toxic dose. The dose of venom involved in any sting is variable. Interspecies difference in the severity of envenomation is generally the result of the relation between the venom gland and the spines.
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