Why do stingrays sting

Patients stung on the trunk should be evaluated closely for puncture of viscera. Treatment of systemic manifestations is supportive. Tetanus prophylaxis should be given see table Tetanus Prophylaxis in Routine Wound Management Tetanus Prophylaxis in Routine Wound Management Tetanus is acute poisoning from a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani. Symptoms are intermittent tonic spasms of voluntary muscles. Spasm of the masseters accounts for the name lockjaw Use of antibiotics and surgical wound closure may be necessary.

From developing new therapies that treat and prevent disease to helping people in need, we are committed to improving health and well-being around the world. The Manual was first published in as a service to the community. Learn more about our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Common Health Topics. Videos Figures Images Quizzes Symptoms. Symptoms and Signs. Many rays have jaw teeth to enable them to crush mollusks such as clams, oysters, and mussels.

When they are inclined to move, most stingrays swim by undulating their bodies like a wave; others flap their sides like wings.

The tail may also be used to maneuver in the water, but its primary purpose is protection. The stingray's spine, or barb, can be ominously fashioned with serrated edges and a sharp point. The underside may produce venom, which can be fatal to humans, and which can remain deadly even after the stingray's death. In Greek mythology, Odysseus, the great king of Ithaca, was killed when his son, Telegonus, struck him using a spear tipped with the spine of a stingray.

All rights reserved. Common Name: Stingrays. Scientific Name: Myliobatoidei. Type: Fish. Diet: Carnivore. Size: Up to 6. Weight: Up to pounds. Size relative to a 6-ft man:. This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. Follow us on Instagram at natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo. Share Tweet Email.

Mobile Newsletter chat dots. Mobile Newsletter chat avatar. Mobile Newsletter chat subscribe. Wild Animals. Saltwater Fish. How Do Stingrays Kill? The blue-spotted stingray Taeniura lymma in the Red Sea off the coast of Egypt. Australian bull ray, aka southern eagle ray, Myliobatis australis. Stingray FAQ Are stingrays dangerous? They burrow themselves beneath sand when in shallow water and sting when stepped on.

How did the stingray kill Steve Irwin? How big was the stingray that killed Irwin? According to the witness and further analysis, it was found that Steve Irwin and his friend were passing the time during rain when they discovered an eight-foot-wide stingray. Do stingrays attack humans? However, humans often step on them since stingrays bury themselves underneath the sand in shallow waters. When stepped on, they use their spine as a defense mechanism. Is stingray healthy to eat?

Stingrays are safe to consume, provided they are cleaned and cooked thoroughly. If not cooked, there can be parasites and worms in their bodies that can make humans sick.