How does a Vlamingi Tang sting

[Sensei ClamMan]

Hi everyone, I caught my vlamingi on a small fly fishing hook. I planned to use my net once I caught him but things got hectic and (thinking it was a trout) I put my hand in. I know that there are reports of certain tangs having venom in the caudal pendicle (spelling?) but Vlad doesn't really have them. The wound is a puncture as well, not a cut. My thumb and quickly my hand and inside of my elbow and armpit were in agony. Now I'm sure it came from a dorsal spine, 1.5 hours have past, there is still pain in my thumb and I can move it a little. My old moray and lion fish have never hurt me like this.
So when you're all done laughing, does any know if the dorsal spines carry venom? That was the weirdest and most painfully aquarium mishap in 11 years.

 

[snorvich]

No venom that I am aware of, but disinfect thoroughly. If you have signs of infection, go to the emergency room.

 

[Sensei ClamMan]

Thanks, I saw you on my sick fish thread. This is the Vlamingi with ich. It was a dorsal spine as its still protruding a bit on him. Looks like a hypodermic syringe, razor sharp. Thumb is still completely numb and immobile but getting better. Got stung by a volitans about 5 years ago and this was similar but more painful.

 

[Terra Ferma]

The first few spines in the dorsal fin can pack quite a punch on most tangs (most fish actually...even a blue gill can cause substantial discomfort if is dorsal spines get you good). How big is your Vlamingi? I got poked last year by either my blue tang or chrysurus angel. The pain was terrible for a few hours but it didn't move up my arm.

 

[Sensei ClamMan]

So after 2 days, i have about 50% mobility in my thumb. Doesn't hurt much though. Even with non-venomous fish extreme caution really should be exercised, it's unbeleivable how painfull the first 1/2 hour was. I've been cut by a Sohal's penducle (which is venomous), bit multiple times by a 3ft moray, stung by a volitans and this was the worst for sure. It was the dorsal spine as i can see the protusion on the fish. Time to start wearing gloves... hah!

 

[snorvich]

I again reiterated that any sign of infection should be treated by a doctor. I am more concerned about bacteria insertion into the would as opposed to venom.

 

[Sensei ClamMan]

Thanks Steve, I agree and am going after work today, I think there is something in there. Wow, I really will advocate caution with bare hands from now on. I just started this thread because I wanted to let everyone know what kind of damage a sweet little Vlamingi Tang could cause. Who woulda though.

 

[MrTuskfish]

Fish slime, that comes with a sharp spine on any fish, can really turn into a bad infection. The highest fever I've ever had was the result of a Permit's gill cover.