Skip to main content

Marine Animal Bite or Sting

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 3, 2024.

A marine animal bite or sting happens when you are poisoned or wounded by an animal that lives in salt water. Marine animals that bite include barracudas, moray eels, and sharks. Animals that inject poison through tentacles include Portuguese man-of-war, jellyfish, and sea anemones. Broken tentacles can still sting for weeks or months after being separated from the animal, even if they are dried. Animals that sting with spines or barbs include stingrays and sea urchins.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

Return to the emergency department if:

Call your doctor if:

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

General wound care:

Keep the bandage clean and dry.

Care for a bite wound:

Care for a sting wound:

If tentacles are attached, soak your skin in vinegar for at least 10 minutes before you remove them. Do not use alcohol. Alcohol may cause the tentacle to fire more poison. Put on gloves before you do the following:

Prevent another marine animal bite or sting:

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Marine Animal Bite or Sting

Care guides

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.