Sea Dragon chick (Trachinidae) The most poisonous fish not only in our seas, but also in the entire European continent is sea ​​dragon, scorpion or snake fish. The fish has an elongated body (up to 40 cm and a mass of 300 g), flattened on the sides. The lower jaw is longer than the upper, the mouth has small teeth, and quite sharp ones. The eyes are located on the top side of the head. Two dorsal fin and several abdominal ones are located on the throat. The sea dragon has a brownish-yellowish back, mottled with dark ragged stripes, and a light belly. There are five species of sea dragons. They live off the coast of Europe, off the northern and western coasts of Africa, and also off the coast of Chile.

Sea dragons live mainly in shallow bays and bays with a sandy or muddy bottom. They usually bury themselves in soft soil so that only top part heads, mouth, eyes and dorsal fin spines. But this passivity is only visible. The little dragon can instantly jump out of its hiding place and plunge a poisoned thorn into its victim with unerring accuracy.

Due to their hidden lifestyle and considerable aggressiveness, dragonets are very dangerous for anyone who swims near the shore, dives, snorkels, or simply wanders barefoot in shallow water. If you accidentally step on a sea dragon with your bare foot or grab the fish with your hand, it defends itself by sticking sharp spines into the body of the “offender.” Even a dead dragon must be handled very carefully so as not to be pricked by its thorn.

Sea dragons are one of the most poisonous fish temperate zone. The spines have deep grooves. Venom glands are located in these grooves and at the base of the spines. When pricked by a poisonous thorn, an excruciating, sharp or stabbing pain occurs, which, without treatment, lasts for several hours or even the whole day. It is so strong that the victim screams, rushes about and sometimes tries to throw himself overboard in despair. The affected limb becomes inflamed and very swollen.

Depending on the depth of the injection and the size of the fish, the consequences of the injury may be different. First, a burning pain is felt at the site of injury. The skin in the wound area turns red, swelling appears, headache, feverish state, profuse sweating, heart pain, decreased breathing. Paralysis of the limbs may occur, and in the most severe cases, death. However, usually the prognosis for life and health is favorable. All symptoms of poisoning disappear after 2-3 days, but a secondary infection, necrosis and a sluggish (up to 3 months) ulcer can develop in the wound.

What to do if a person receives an injection from a poisonous fish?

First of all, you must immediately vigorously suck out the poison from the wound with your mouth along with the blood for 10 minutes. The sucked liquid must be spit out quickly. There is no need to fear the effects of the toxin: the bactericidal substances contained in saliva reliably protect against poisoning. After this, the affected area should be washed with a strong solution of potassium permanganate or hydrogen peroxide and a sterile bandage should be applied. The victim is then given a painkiller. Immediate hospitalization is required.

To avoid injections from actively poisonous fish, hobbyists scuba diving, divers, scuba divers, tourists and those simply relaxing by the sea need to be well aware of the appearance of these fish and observe the following precautions:

• Never try to grab a fish with your unprotected hand.
• It is also dangerous to search underwater caves with your hands - you can stumble upon a hidden dragon in them.
• Those who like to walk barefoot along the seashore at low tide should carefully watch their step. Sea dragons often remain in wet sand after the water recedes and are easy to step on.
• Do not even touch a dead animal, because the poison remains strong for several days.

	Length: up to 40 cm Weight: 300 g Habitat: They live off the coast of Europe, off the northern and western coasts of Africa, and also off the coast of Chile.

Did you know that in the Black Sea there is a poisonous and dangerous fish called the sea dragon. The predator, distinguished by its unpredictable character, has received other nicknames - scorpion, snake fish. Determined that sea ​​Dragon prefers to get its food at depths of 15 to 20 meters, but despite this, cases have been recorded when vacationers on the coast itself have become victims of this poisonous fish.

The sea dragon is a small, inconspicuous fish, very similar to an ordinary one. black sea goby, but what formidable weapon she hides it in herself! The poisonous needles of a sea dragon can cause quite significant damage to human health, so we suggest that you get to know this sea creature better so that when you meet it, you can avoid injury and injury.

General description of sea dragon fish

It has a serpentine, laterally compressed elongated body, covered with small scales. The head in relation to the body is large, at the top of which there are bulging eyes. The lower jaw is long, extending from the palate to the top of the snout, with small, sharp teeth. The gills and dorsal fin are equipped with exposed spines 2–3 cm long, the glands containing poison. The anal feathers extend evenly to the ventral, large fins. The tail looks like a panicle. The body color is light brown, the abdomen is white.

Lifestyle

IN summer period sea ​​dragons stay within up to 20 m from sea level, and spend the winter in the depths, feeding there on fry, small crustaceans, shrimp and crabs. The fish reaches sexual maturity at the age of three. Spawning continues throughout the summer - from June to October. During this time, female dragonets are capable of laying up to 73 thousand eggs. On average, its size ranges from 15 to 20 cm, but there are also giants in its family: specimens with a length of 35 - 45 cm are known. The sea dragon, the photo of which is presented, has no industrial significance, but amateur fishermen often catch this fish, the meat of which is quite tasty. When catching a dragon, you need to be very careful. Even a dead snake can sting.

How to prevent sea dragon pricking

Divers, tourists simply swimming or walking along the shore, and even fishermen can encounter the sea dragon. Therefore, it is worth remembering a number of recommendations that will reduce the likelihood of contact with him.

• Firstly, do not under any circumstances try to grab the baby dragon with your unprotected hand. Do not search underwater caves with your hands, as you can run into a hidden predator in them.
• Secondly, be careful when walking on the seabed. Often, a baby dragon waits for its prey, having previously buried itself in the sand. At the same time, only the top of its head with its mouth and eyes, as well as a black dorsal fin, are visible from the outside. When danger arises, the fish spreads its poisonous spines and quickly attacks the enemy.
• Thirdly, carefully look at your feet when walking barefoot along the seashore at low tide. It happens that the water, as it recedes, leaves behind sea dragons in the wet sand, which are very easy to step on.
• Fourth, remain vigilant during sea ​​fishing. The sea dragon looks somewhat like an ordinary goby. In addition, he even bites on bait used for catching gobies. Therefore, if you catch a dragon, first kill it, and only then pull it into the boat and very carefully release the hook.
• Fifth, never touch with bare hands even a dead dragon. Remember, the poison remains dangerous for several days after the death of the fish.
• Sixth, if you want to eat the dragon, put on thick canvas gloves or mittens, take scissors and trim the first dorsal fin and spines from the gill covers.

How to deal with the consequences

The consequences of the sea dragon's poison occur immediately. The injection site becomes bluish and swells. The pain is sharp and spreads rapidly. Symptoms may include a sharp increase in body temperature, general weakness and dizziness, nausea and difficulty breathing. In particularly difficult cases, paralysis of the “stung” limb or death.

Important! No need to panic. First correct actions minimize the consequences of a sea dragon injection and enable medications to quickly cope with the poison. The pain may remain slight and aching for some time, but there will be no danger to the body.

If you are pricked by a sea dragon thorn, you should definitely go to the nearest medical center, having completed a number of steps before doing so. First of all, before receiving qualified medical assistance, you need to perform the following steps:

• squeeze or suck out the poison from the wound so that as little as possible enters the body;
• if potassium permanganate is available, treat the wound with it, it has a neutralizing effect;
• apply a sterile bandage.

What not to do when injecting a sea dragon

• It is not recommended to apply a tourniquet to the pricked limb. This will only worsen the victim’s well-being and contribute to the development of complications.
• You should also not make cuts on the wound to allow the poison to escape. This will only further injure the victim.
• You cannot burn the pricked area with matches, cigarettes, coals from a fire, or any other hot objects. The reasons are discussed in the previous paragraphs.
• It is forbidden to drink alcohol, as it dilates blood vessels and thereby promotes faster spread and absorption of poison.

Consequences of a sea dragon prick

Of course, the sea dragon is dangerous predator, contact with which can bring a person many unpleasant moments. In severe cases, even death is possible.

After poisonous thorn digs into the skin, toxic poison is injected into the blood, and the wound becomes bluish in color. The bite site is very painful, and the person experiences severe painful sensations. The pain spreads throughout the limb where the wound is located. Cases have been recorded where a leg or arm was paralyzed. What could be:

• Labored breathing.
• A sharp increase in temperature.
• Nausea.
• Dizziness.
• Vomit.
• Paralysis of the injured limb.

The pain may plague the victim for several days.

Important: you need to see a doctor immediately! There is a serum that neutralizes the toxic poison, and if it is not administered as quickly as possible, death is likely.

A serious outcome is possible if a person “met” an adult fish.

Interesting, unusual and funny facts about this fish

The sea dragon is often caught as an unexpected surprise in a net or underfoot in the water. Improper handling of toxic fish leads to the following consequences: cyanosis in the stung area, fever, increased body temperature, increased heart rate, and a surge in blood pressure. The condition can last up to a week.

First aid after a bite: apply a tourniquet above the affected area, hold for no more than 15 minutes. The poison is sucked out with the blood, spitting it out. Rinse with a 5% solution of potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate) or hydrogen peroxide; if the spines remain, remove them and apply a sterile bandage. Next they recommend making a hot compress and contact the nearest medical facility.

Fish needles contain poison for which there is no vaccine. severe pain Even morphine does not relieve pain. Therefore, timely assistance is very important.

For example, the minimum lethal dose for mice is 1.8 micrograms, while at least 110 mg can be extracted from a medium-sized fish. The effect of the poison, even after death, persists for several days.

There are cases where fishermen amputated their own fingers to relieve pain or avoid more serious consequences. There are known cases of death, usually not from the toxin, but from subsequent infection. Experienced fishermen recommend applying a match to the bite site and using the second one to set it on fire. If this procedure is done in the first minutes, then the listed symptoms can be avoided.

Research was carried out to study the composition of the toxin contained in the spines of sea dragon fish, in which the poison of two different snakes was identified.

Due to its aggressive temperament, the dragon fish has repeatedly become the hero of news clips.

There is no swim bladder due to unnecessary reasons, because it spends its entire life at the bottom. The ideal camouflage fish, burrowing its pelvic fins into the ground, remains invisible even at close range.

News and society

Why is sea scorpion venom dangerous? Secure your holiday on the Black Sea

August 25, 2018

The most great danger sea ​​dragon - his disguise. This cunning fish loves to bury itself in the sand, which means accidentally stepping on it is easier than ever. But even if you don’t fumble along the sandy bottom with your feet, the danger still remains. The sea scorpion is very similar to the ordinary Black Sea goby. It has much in common with its relative, with one exception: the goby does not have poisonous needles throughout its body. A prick with such a thorn will cause severe pain, and special cases and death.

Dragon in sheep's clothing

The average size of a sea scorpion is from 20 to 40 centimeters. Weight within 300 grams. The fish looks inconspicuous; calling it a “dragon” sounds more like a mockery. The body is flattened from the sides, the eyes are high on the head, as if she is always in a light thought, or is simply dissatisfied with something. The color may vary, but there are always stripes on the body. In general, the sea scorpion is a fish like a fish. Its main feature is its similarity to the ordinary Black Sea goby, so it is very easy to confuse them. Take a close look at the photo of the sea scorpion and remember the “enemy in the face.”

Where does the poisonous twin brother of the Black Sea goby live?

The sea scorpion lives, among other places, in the Black Sea. food chain the predator is located at a depth of 20 meters. This, however, does not stop him from enjoying the views of the coast. This fish breeds and lives mainly in the depths, but sometimes it also wants to go out in public, swim in shallow water, “talk” with interesting people.

Disguise

The sea scorpion's love for sand is quite justified - this is its refuge. Having buried itself in the ground, the predator patiently waits for its prey. As soon as the unlucky fish swims idly by, the dragon flies out of the mound of mud and, with a lightning-fast movement, ends its period of hunger strike.

Sea Dragon Attack

Tourists and vacationers rarely come into view of poisonous fish. The Black Sea sea scorpion is not at all aggressive, but if you force it or frighten it, it will not seem like much. Having grabbed the offender with its teeth, the fish sharply stings him with its poisonous needle. If grabbing with its teeth does not help, the sea dragon straightens the spines located along its body. To grab a fish at such a moment - the right way regret the boat trip.

Sea Dragon Victims

The vast majority of cases of sea scorpion poisoning are purely accidental. It is difficult to notice in the sand, and therefore easy to accidentally step on. It is also easy to confuse him with a harmless bull and behave too boldly.

The effect of poison on the body

Toxic poison, entering the body through a sharp thorn, will cause an immediate reaction - severe pain at the injection site. The wound will begin to turn blue. The muscles will begin to go numb under the influence of the poison. Partial muscle paralysis or numbness will spread the pain to the entire limb.

The most striking symptoms of intoxication:

• nausea and/or vomiting;
• increased body temperature;
• headache and/or dizziness;
• partial muscle paralysis around the injection site.

What to do if you get pricked by a sea dragon

For starters, don't panic. In the vast majority of cases, such poisoning is not fatal. It is advisable to take the following steps:

• Suck the poison out of the wound. Once in the oral cavity, the toxin stops its negative impact because of bactericidal properties saliva.
• The injection site must be disinfected with any means available in the first aid kit (hydrogen peroxide, for example).
• To prevent further infection, the wound should be covered with a bandage.
• Go urgently briskly(you can’t panic) to the nearest medical aid station.

The best defense is... caution

Of course, you shouldn’t stand all the time with binoculars around your neck and a bandage on your shoulder, waiting for danger. Of all sea ​​creatures The sea scorpion is not the most terrible, but meeting one is usually unexpected. To prevent unpleasant consequences, it is enough to follow a few simple rules reasonable care:

• If you see an unfamiliar fish (especially if it is so similar to the Black Sea goby), you should not run to “hug”. If there is no need, then it is better not to interfere with her doing her important fish business.
• You should not explore various potholes and crevices in rocks and stones. The spirit of adventure, of course, says the opposite, but even if you are lucky enough not to touch the dragon, then many other equally interesting and much more dangerous surprises may be hidden in the dark unknown.
• Oh, these walks along the coast! The tide gently envelops your feet, the sun is just about to fall asleep. It's hard to imagine something more romantic. However, the sea scorpion is not alien to the sense of beauty. It would be a crime to discourage such walks, but the advice to always look under your feet will never be superfluous.

To summarize all of the above, this wonderful fish can cause a lot of unwanted problems. Fortunately, she is not aggressive at all and following basic safety rules and common sense will keep you out of trouble.

Source: fb.ru

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Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous

Instead of a preface. The fish of the Black Sea have changed in their own way quality composition for several thousand years, because the sea was fresh. Later it connected with the World Ocean, and fish that came from it began to be found in the Black Sea.

This process continues today, which has many surprises in store for sea fishing lovers. You can find out what kind of fish is caught in the Black Sea from local fishermen, who can easily be found along the entire coast in large quantities. Most often, fishermen catch representatives of:

• Mullet.
• Horse mackerel.
• Mackerel.
• Flounders.
• Pelamid.
• Bluefish.

There is no fisherman who does not have a history of fishing for gobies. The best places For fishing are considered Krasnodar region, outskirts of Odessa, Kerch. Black Sea fish has no less than 20 thousand varieties. Mention should be made of those who may become a fisherman's catch.

• Cat shark. Its average size is 60 cm. It is interesting because the eggs of this shark have horns, with their help the eggs are fixed to the bottom.
  Cat shark meat is suitable for consumption in processed form.
  Red mullet. A small fish, up to 30 cm, the red mullet is a catchable item for sea fishing enthusiasts. She spends all her time at the very bottom.
• Beluga. One of the most large inhabitants Black Sea. True, individuals weighing 2 centners are rarely seen in our time.
• Black Sea salmon or trout. Rare in this moment a species whose continued life depends entirely on humans.
• Goby. Exist different types these fish, but the sculpin goby and sandpiper goby are of interest to the fisherman.
• Flounder glossa. This predator grows up to 25 cm. The fish leads an ambush life, waiting for its prey in a shelter in the sand. In addition to this species, you can also find other representatives of flounder; there are up to 500 species of them in nature. There are individuals impressive size, growing up to 4 meters and weighing up to 3 quintals.
• Kalkan. This is also a flounder, but larger than the glossa. Kalkan grows up to 80 cm and weighs 15 kg.
• Mullet. Three species of this fish are of interest to the amateur fisherman.
• Loban. 70 cm mullet weighing 7 kg.
• Singil or larich is a variety of Black Sea mullet. striped fish 55 cm long.
• Sharp Nose. A nimble mullet that allows itself to jump out of the water. This fish reaches 40 cm.
• Sea crucian carp or weasel. Average height – 18 cm, weight – 200 g.
• Horse mackerel is divided into 2 groups according to its size: regular (20 cm) and southern (50 cm). This fish lives in a group, that is, it is a school fish.
• Lichia. Small flocks of up to 10 individuals are a subject of interest to anglers.
• Bluefish - school representative aquatic life. This is a meter-long bloodthirsty predator. It is caught not only by amateurs, but also mined on an industrial scale.
• Mackerel. Body size varies. Individuals of 30 cm with a weight of 300 g, as well as 60 cm, are caught.
• Tuna. Beautiful predator 3 m and weighing several centners. When fishing, it can pull the fisherman into the water.
• Pelamida. Quite large, 85 cm, the fish sometimes weighs 7 kg.
  Ram. The most big fish This species can grow up to half a meter in length. Its weight is 2 kg.
• Chekhon. This schooling fish 30 cm long and 300 g weight.
• Gurnard. The appearance is quite unusual. Fish lives in the depths. She is a valuable prize.
• Garfish. Because of its taste, it is caught quite actively. Sargan also sticks to the team.
• Sea fox. This is a meter-long stingray with a weight of 15 kg.
• Smarida or sea ​​bass. He is interesting because he changes his gender throughout his life. It is not of particular interest to fishermen due to its small height and weight.
• Brown trout. This salmon is an anadromous fish. Other salmon also live in the Black Sea.

The Black Sea and its poisonous inhabitants

1. Poisonous fish of the Black Sea are also subject to fishing because they have high-quality meat. taste quality. The following marine inhabitants pose a danger to swimmers and fishermen: Katran ( spiny shark). She happens to be the only kind, which is hunted on an industrial and recreational scale. This shark grows up to 2 m and weighs 14 kg. It is believed that it does not attack people, but swimmers in the evening should beware of it.
   Katrans swim up to the rocks near the shore. Because the fins on their backs are poisonous and their bodies are lined with spines, they can cause harm to humans.
   Fishermen do not touch this fish with their bare hands, only with gloves.
2. A formidable torpedo, a sword - a fish. It can turn on speeds of up to 130 km per hour. The swordfish is famous for its ferocious character, because it attacks everything that moves, regardless of size.
3. Ruff - scorpionfish. Despite the fact that a prick from a thorn can bring a person sufficient pain and great trouble, it is a desirable component of fish soup, and its meat is a delicacy.
4. Catfish. Poisonous fish that grows up to 2.5 m.
5. Sea dragon. This small sea fish is superior to many in its toxicity.
6. Astrologer. In addition to poisonous thorns, it has poisonous mucus, which causes a strong chemical burn to a person.

Features of fishing at sea

Fishing can be organized all year round, but most favorable time– calm weather without precipitation, allowed slight winds and tolerable temperature.
Tackle for fishing on the Black Sea. A fisherman can try:

1. Spinning.
2. Donkey.
3. Petty tyrant.
4. Path.
5. And in winter there is sheer sparkle.

Tackle for sea fishing is different in that the fishing line needs to be stronger (0.3-0.60 mm), and the hooks are tinned, resistant to sea salt water.

Types of nozzles

• Crab. Almost all fish love its meat.
• Shrimp. It is used on a fishing rod with a float, donkeys and casting tackle.
• Mussels. Their meat can attract many fish, but not mullet.
• Tilitrids (sea fleas). Red mullets, gobies and greenfinches will certainly come to feast on them.
• Sea worms. Can be used on any gear for all types of fish.
• Pieces of fish meat. Sea fish almost all are predators, so this bait is suitable for all fish.
• Spleen of animal origin. This nozzle is considered universal. It is used not only fresh, but also canned.
• Snail. This is a bait for small fish. They impale the meat, freeing it from the house.

Amazing and unique world underwater kingdom has always aroused interest and excited the imagination of eager researchers. Indeed, what forms and manifestations of life can you not see in the thickness of the

Bottom fish - a dangerous marine life

One of the most interesting specimens of the inhabitants of the seas washing the shores of the European, African, and South American continents is the sea dragon, snake fish or scorpion. A poisonous fish of medium size and weighing about 300 grams, it has a laterally flattened elongated body shape, an elongated lower jaw equipped with small but quite sharp teeth, a bright brown-yellow back with dark intermittent spots and stripes, and a light milky belly.

Sea dragons stand in the first row with the most dangerous fish temperate latitudes. Their name absolutely matches their appearance. The dragon-like appearance and very high danger of the fish are given by the presence of characteristic fins with spines that have deep grooves, at the base of which there are glands containing poison. The spines located on the gill covers and in the first dorsal fin are a formidable weapon that the sea dragon uses in any danger or when hunting. The venom of this fish is extremely dangerous and acts like a snake, as its second name - snake fish - reminds.

Features of behavior

Sea dragons prefer quiet backwaters in shallow bays with a muddy or sandy bottom. Burying itself up to its eyes in soft soil, the fish lies calmly, but jumps out with lightning speed as soon as it sees the approaching prey. The dragonet is most active at dusk; it is not visible during the day, and given that it loves the same places as bathers, the danger of meeting it only increases. Even just walking in shallow water, a person risks getting a portion of poison from the fins if he accidentally steps on a sea dragon.

Lifestyle

In the summer, sea dragons stay within up to 20 m from sea level, and spend the winter in the depths, feeding there on fry, small crustaceans, shrimp and crabs. The fish reaches sexual maturity at the age of three. Spawning continues throughout the summer - from June to October. During this time, female dragonets are capable of laying up to 73 thousand eggs. On average, its size ranges from 15 to 20 cm, but there are also giants in its family: specimens with a length of 35 - 45 cm are known.

The sea dragon, the photo of which is presented, has no industrial significance, but amateur fishermen often catch this fish, the meat of which is very tasty. When catching a dragon, you need to be very careful. Even a dead snake can sting.

Precautionary measures

The poisonous sea dragon can cause serious harm, and so that your vacation does not turn into troubles and health problems, scuba diving enthusiasts, swimmers and tourists should get acquainted with appearance these fish and observe necessary measures precautions:

• you should not try to grab the fish with unprotected hands;
• You should not search underwater caves; a sea dragon may be hiding in them, a photo of which should be studied first in order to become familiar with the potential danger;
• when walking on the coast at low tide, you need to watch your step, since these fish do not always have time to leave with the water, they often remain in the wet sand and can be easily stepped on;
• Having found a dead dragon, you should not touch it with your hands - the poison persists for some time;
• If a fisherman catches a dragon, the poisonous spines should be cut off immediately.

First aid for injection

If you still fail to protect yourself from an attack by a snake fish, you must, without wasting time, provide necessary help to the victim. The prick of a thorn causes quite painful sensations: the sharp stabbing pains that arise are very painful, a febrile state accompanied by a rise in temperature can last from a day to a week. There is an opinion that the poison is destroyed if, immediately after the bite, a 5% solution of potassium permanganate is injected into the wound with a syringe. This measure reduces or prevents inflammation and eases pain, but a first aid kit is not always at hand.

Experienced fishermen who encounter fin punctures immediately apply a tourniquet higher up lesions and suck out the poison, spitting it out. It is advisable to put ice on the injection site and go to the nearest medical facility. Unfortunately, in this case it is impossible to do without hospitalization. There is no specific antidote for the poison that affects sea dragons. Severe pain cannot be relieved even by morphine, so first aid is very important.

Depending on the depth of the wound and the degree of assistance provided, you will need different time to restore health: sometimes it takes several days, sometimes more than one month.

Black Sea dragon

An analogue of the famous one in Russia - one of the eight species that have long and successfully mastered the open spaces, sometimes appearing in

Kerch Strait. It has a low, flattened body, with small, tightly fitting scales. The head is decorated with spines, the most dangerous of which are located on the gills. The dragon's two dorsal fins, like a magnificent comb, beautiful and dangerous, are at the same time a serious weapon and a calling card.

Non-industrial, but incredibly tasty, sea dragon is caught by amateur fishermen. The Black Sea stores large reserves of this amazing - small owner of a formidable weapon.