im wondering b/c i was snorkleing in the gulf of mexico and i grabbed one and carried it back to the boat and when i dropped it on the boat purple spots were on my hand.. i dont know if it was from it trying to walk or hurting me??
2007-07-15 14:18:05 · 11 answers · asked by Blake J 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
There are a few species that are poisonous. You most likely held a long spined urchin, which is not poisonous. The urchins use their spines for grip and they often will pick up shells with their spines. The only time a long spine urchin can hurt you is if you are diving and a wave knocks you up against one. A spine could then pierce your skin and break off, causing a painful, but survivable wound.
2007-07-15 14:28:31 · answer #1 · answered by fivespeed302 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Sea urchins feed on various types of organic matter, including plants, small animals, and waste material. Some species, called heart urchins, lack jaws and burrow into sand or mud for their food.
2016-05-18 21:55:32 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not all urchins are poisonous to humans more so to fish and prey even then most of the poison comes from the underside not the spines. Poisonous spines of the fire urchin (Asthenosoma varium)
Spines might contain some venom in certain species and bring infections. Very few fatal cases were reported (usually from respiratory problems), but most cases bring mild to severe pain for few hours to infections that could last for months, especially is pieces of spines are left in the wound. Removal of spines should be done surgically or with extreme caution not to break them more into the wound. Sea Urchin roe is a delicacy in many countries but poisoning may occur.
Here is a great site with photos an info on the most popular urchins
http://www.edge-of-reef.com/echinoidi/ECHechinoidilistaen.htm
Chances are if you did not have a stinging pain in your hand, you were not poisoned.
2007-07-19 02:13:37 · answer #3 · answered by danielle Z 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
There not piosnous at all usually, but there pretty rare to find a piosnous one. It just hurts really really bad once you get stung by one. And to get rid on the pain....its gross...you have too pee on it. The purple spots were pbobally some stuff it spit out at you for a warning. but nothing bad really. Good luck~~~!!! :]
2007-07-15 14:27:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some are - but note that certain species are not and are even eaten raw as a delicacy (as sashimi/sushi), like in China and Japan!!
2007-07-15 14:28:16 · answer #5 · answered by florine 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they are poisonous. They have poisonous glands. You should have a Doctor check it out to make sure that it did not get you.
2007-07-15 14:37:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so, I have held some before!
EDIT: I read that some are poisonous and others aren't. So you might want to get that checked!
2007-07-15 14:24:54 · answer #7 · answered by keℓsey<3 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
some can be ask the locals I know ehn you step on them they hurt
2007-07-15 14:31:36 · answer #8 · answered by Michael M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They Are VERY DEADLY Poisonous Go To The ER PRONTO OR DIE!
2007-07-15 14:23:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Some are. Google it. It's not that hard!
2007-07-15 14:25:49 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋