Poisonous Topfins

[Ludwig Venter]

I know a Sea Barbel's spikey fins can cause severe injuries if pricked by one of these, but in my haste to get my 10" Pleco back in water just now, I picked him up with my (bare) hands and got a blood drawing prick from the top fin.... Now it's not painful, but should I cut my finger off or get anti serum or will I live??

 

[Mr._Fishy]

You should be fine. Plecos are not venomous. Just use some anti bacterial ointment on it.

 

[Ludwig Venter]

You should be fine. Plecos are not venomous. Just use some anti bacterial ointment on it.

Poses the question as to why these fins are so pricky if not toxic.... surely for defence purposes.....

 

[Mr._Fishy]

Yep. Purely for defensive purposes (as many spines are).

 

[xingumike]

I would cut the finger off just to be on the safe side

 

[Mr._Fishy]

^^^