1 Departament of Dermatology and Radiotherapy, Botucatu Medical School, Univ Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-970, São Paulo State, Brasil

2 Vital Brazil Hospital, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil

3 Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil

4 Private Clinic, Ubatuba, São Paulo State, Brazil

ABSTRACT

Lionfish are venomous fish that belong to the Scorpaenidae family. Individuals of this family and those of the Synanceiidae family comprise most of the existing venomous fish in the world. Lionfish are originally found in the Indo-Pacific, but they have received special attention in the last years for their dissemination in the Atlantic Ocean, with the emergence of large populations in the USA, Caribbean and South America. Because of its beauty, this fish has always been present in private and commercial aquariums around the world. Herein, we describe 15 envenomations in aquarists registered in a period of eighteen years (1997–2014). The stings caused excruciating pain and marked inflammation, with local erythema, edema, heat, paleness and cyanosis. In one case, it was possible to observe vesicles and blisters. There were no skin necroses or marked systemic manifestations. We discuss the possible coming of the fish to South America and the circumstances and clinical impact of the envenomations.

Key words: Pterois volitans; Pterois miles; Venomous fish; Animals invasions; Aquarism; Lionfish; Envenomations