Many venomous fish exist in both the cartilaginous (elasmobranchs) and bony (teleosts) fish groups (Table 2). Most of
these venomous animals use spines capable of inoculating their victim with toxin. Although many of the teleosts inject
their venom, the elasmobranchs (stingrays) carry a spine at the base of the tail that has an integumentary sheath that
contains the toxin. Every attempt must be made to remove this sheath as well as the spine from the wound by various
means (Russell and others 1958). Venomous fish stings should be treated immediately by soaking the wound in very
hot water for up to 90 minutes, which denatures the venom's proteins (Halstead and others 1990). Venom associated with
the integumentary sheath of the spine of marine rays is capable of producing significant cardiovascular effects including
irreversible cardiac standstill (Russell 1957). Secondary