ABSTRACT
Venomous fish are characterised by the possession of glandular tissue which elaborates a poison, together with a defensive apparatus for the traumatic delivery of the poison into the tissues of an attacking predator. The Family "Scorpaenidae" may in fact include two Families, "Scorpaenidae" (scorpionfishes) and "Synanceiidae" (stonefishes). Venomous fish spines may be located in a variety of anatomical sites on different animals, including dorsal, pectoral, opercular, shoulder, pelvic, anal and caudal. Stonefish are medically the most important of the venomous fish. Including up to 1000 different species in some 9 Families, venomous catfishes are worldwide, predominately tropical, and inhabit both freshwater streams and the sea. Most venomous catfishes have the spines enveloped in an integumentary sheath which also contains venom glands distinct from the axillary glands. In common with many venomous fish stings, catfish envenomation is accompanied by immediate "hot-pin like" pain, which may radiate up the affected limb.
