Understanding the Striped Burrfish and Its Toxicity
The striped burrfish, scientifically known as Chilomycterus schoepfii, is a species within the porcupinefish family. This fish has a distinctive appearance, characterized by a yellowish-green, rounded body covered with short, sharp spines that are always erect. Dark wavy stripes run across its body, and it typically has large dark spots near its dorsal and pectoral fins. Striped burrfish are commonly found in shallow coastal waters, including seagrass beds, lagoons, and sometimes estuaries, ranging from Nova Scotia to Brazil and throughout the Gulf of Mexico.
The danger stems from tetrodotoxin (TTX), a potent neurotoxin. This toxin is primarily concentrated in the internal organs, such as the liver and ovaries, and also in the skin. While the fish itself does not produce tetrodotoxin, it accumulates the toxin through its diet, likely from marine bacteria. Ingestion of the fish, or absorption of the toxin through cuts or abrasions, can lead to poisoning.
Symptoms of Exposure and Immediate Actions
Exposure to tetrodotoxin can result in symptoms appearing rapidly, often within minutes to hours. Initial signs frequently include numbness and tingling sensations around the mouth and lips, which can then spread to the face and extremities. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dizziness are also common early symptoms.
As the poisoning progresses, more severe symptoms can develop, such as muscle weakness, difficulty speaking, and a sensation of lightness or floating. In serious cases, muscle paralysis can occur, affecting the respiratory muscles and potentially leading to respiratory arrest and death. Irregular heartbeats, low blood pressure, and seizures are also possible. There is no known antidote for tetrodotoxin poisoning, making immediate medical intervention necessary.
If exposure is suspected, seek emergency medical attention promptly by calling emergency services or poison control. While waiting for help, remove the affected individual from the source of exposure. If external contact with the fish’s skin occurred, rinse the area thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Monitoring the individual’s breathing is important, and if ingestion is suspected, vomiting should not be induced.
Avoiding Contact and Ensuring Safety
Anglers should be cautious, as these fish are sometimes caught. If a striped burrfish is caught, it is advisable to handle it with gloves to avoid direct skin contact, especially with its internal organs. Using tools for hook removal and releasing the fish carefully, minimizing handling, can help ensure safety.
Consuming striped burrfish or any pufferfish species can cause severe poisoning due to tetrodotoxin, which is heat-stable and not destroyed by cooking. Therefore, these fish should never be prepared for human consumption. For those with pets, keeping animals away from live or dead burrfish found on beaches is a sensible precaution, as pets could be poisoned if they ingest parts of the fish.