Reply To:
Name - Reply Comment
Last Updated : 2024-05-14 06:05:00
7 November 2023 08:27 pm - 5 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama
COLOMBO (Daily Mirror) - There is a slight increase in the roaming of the highly poisonous fish species called 'Gonmaha-Stone Fish' in the sea areas these days with the changing of the monsoon, Parasitology Department Senior Lecturer Dr. Janaka Ruben said.
He told the media that even though the fish species are highly poisonous, they do not attack people or any living being in the sea. This fish is a reef fish.
However, it was reported that several people were admitted to the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital recently after they had accidentally touched or stepped on these fishes. The venom of this fish can cause serious injuries when touched or stepped on.
This most widespread stonefish is found on sandy or rubble areas of reef flats and shallow lagoons and in small pools during low tide, well camouflaged among the substrate and sometimes even covered with algae due to the slow movement of this aquatic animal.
Dr. Reuben says that this stonefish used to roam in the sea in many parts of Sri Lanka. This fish species can be found in many countries, such as Australia, Indonesia and India.
As usual, these fishes come close to the shore for breeding purposes, Dr. Reuben said.
He said this fish has little ability to swim, and it is very slow-moving. It swims but does not sting.
The doctor pointed out that the stone fish has several spines on its back, and the poison is ingested by stepping on these spines. It is also said that severe pain is caused by stepping on the fishs' spines.
Therefore, the doctor informed the people to be cautious when bathing in the sea these days and request that they wear slippers while bathing.
If someone gets stung by this fish in the sea, they should immediately come out of the sea, take immediate measures, and go to the hospital for treatment, the doctor added.
Also, the doctor requested the public not to kill this fish and not to bathe in the sea or walk barefoot along the coast.
Be practical Tuesday, 07 November 2023 09:08 PM
Let us be logical, if we don’t kill and eradicate this fish it is going to remain and pose danger all those who get into sea. We have to mobilise the military and the public to completely takeout this threat.
Dee Tuesday, 07 November 2023 10:45 PM
You mean like what everyone tried to do during covid-19? How stupid?
zhobayerHossain Wednesday, 08 November 2023 06:06 AM
Dear sir, has anyone from the govt approached you for a ministerial post or an advisory post? you are what we are looking for, typical thinking like a lankan minister. You can establish ties with china too so that we can export this fish and all our marine and biological resources Govt of Pamporiland
Seqi Wednesday, 08 November 2023 09:55 AM
Be practical.... Then why don't we eradicate transport or politicians as all are a menace who directly or indirectly kill thousands of people a year. How many people died from a stone fish last year in Sri Lanka.
Ganesh Wednesday, 08 November 2023 02:42 PM
The Stone Fish sting is probably the most unbearable of all pains. probably the only cure for this sting is soaking the foot in very hot water to weaken the effects of the sting. Else the patients will be begging for someone to amputate their foot as the pain come in waves.
Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.
Reply To:
Name - Reply Comment
US authorities are currently reviewing the manifest of every cargo aboard MV
On March 26, a couple arriving from Thailand was arrested with 88 live animal
According to villagers from Naula-Moragolla out of 105 families 80 can afford
Is the situation in Sri Lanka so grim that locals harbour hope that they coul
