       | W hen on the subject of the dangers of tropical seas, one's thoughts race straight to Sharks, almost as if they have no other purpose in life but to lie in wait for the next tourist in order to attack him and satisfy their terrible voracity. There are sharks that are not at all the satanic beasts that we generally believe them to be. Photographers know this well, as they have great problems getting near enough to a shark for a "photographic shot"; at the slightest attempt to approach them they swim away. The species which really are dangerous are few and sightings are rare, but even if they are encountered, an attack is by no means certain and is, in fact, rather improbable. One must not forget that sharks are powerful predators at the apex of the food chain, with an extremely efficient physical structure and that they are remarkably skillful in attacking. Thus, all risky behavior should be avoided, like swimming on the surface of the water rotating arms and kicking legs, bathing in harbors and in turbid water, hunting with a spear-gun (vibrations and blood attract and excite sharks), diving at night in places where shark presence is known, and trying to attract them by offering food. If one approaches you, do not try to escape: face the animal, perhaps moving towards it and constantly maintain a calm demeanor. Other seemingly to-be-feared fish are inoffensive in reality if they are not interfered with or wounded. Among these are Moray eels (Muraenidae), some of which grow to a phenomenal size, but which are, despite their reputation, timid and wary. Or Barracudas with their threatening appearance and terrible teeth, which sometimes group together in shoals of several hundred and come very close to divers without, attacking them. Trigger-fish may bite, particularly the Balistoides viridescens, when it is guarding its eggs which are laid in large circular nests. If one goes too near, it attacks and one must beat a hasty retreat to avoid its courageous and determined action. However the real danger of the tropics lies not in animals that bite, but in poisonous stings or contact with stinging sea life. The greatest risk is posed by the Scorpaenidae which are furnished with spines connected to poison glands for defense. Some Scorpaenidae, like the Lionfish (Pterois) are easily recognizable because of the striking richness and brightness of their colouring which warns possible "troublemakers" of their efficient means of defense. Others, like the much feared Stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa) or the large Scorpionfishes (Scorpaenopsis barbatus and S. diabolus) lie on the bottom of the sea, perfectly camouflaged and immobile waiting for prey to come within their striking range. If they are touched, they may sting, injecting a terrible poison which causes unbearable shooting pains and local swelling, followed by profuse sweating, respiratory problems, quickening of heart beat, high fever and, in some cases, partial paralysis. Pain can continue for several days and in some cases the sting may cause death. Therefore the part of the body in question must be immersed in hot water, as hot as is bearable and diluted oxidising agents, to fight the toxic effect of the poison; analeptics for the heart and adrenaline and cortisone must also be administered. Another bottom-dwelling fish, which partially covers itself with sand is the Stingray which is ubiquitous in the Red Sea, particularly the spotted species (Taeniura lymma) which has a spine connected to a poison-gland. It uses it, only if it is trodden on or interfered with, but if stung, the wound is very painful and can result in infection and gangrene in the limb involved. |
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