Class: Asteroidea
Genus: Acanthaster
Toxic Species: A. planci and others
Venom: saponins, possibly hemorrhagic toxins
Habitat: coral reefs in tropical oceans
Usual victims: divers and swimmers, trawl fishermen, beach walkers
The dorsal surface of the starfish is covered by sharp spines. These can penetrate the skin and subcutaneous tissue, then break off, leaving venom-producing cells in the wound. The spines may become embedded several centimeters from the skin surface.
Clinical findings if a starfish spine penetrates the skin and becomes embedded:
(1) severe pain at the site
(2) nausea and vomiting
(3) severe bleeding from the wound may occur
(4) erythema and local necrosis adjacent to the spine
(5) edema of affected limb
Complications:
(1) wound infections and cellulitis if the spine is not removed
