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Of all marine organism groups that divers are likely to avoid,
urchins are good candidates. The ones with long, pointed spines are
obviously dangerous to get too close to; can and do puncture… through
wet suits, even thick booties given enough mechanical force. What may be
news to you is that several of these “aquatic hedgehogs” are actually
venomous; some very much so.
What are Echinoids?
Friends and associates who know me to be an avid diver frequently
ask whether I'm concerned with potential underwater encounters with
sharks, barracudas, giant squids and the like. My standard reply is that
it is much more dangerous time-wise driving on the freeway. However, in
the way of moments spent underwater, Sea Urchins are some of the most
realistically harm/hurtful organisms.
Urchins perform invaluable service as scavengers of over-abundant,
fouling algae; preventing overgrowth of benthic habitat, excluding
corals and more. For divers, some also present considerable risk.
Classification: Taxonomy, Relation with Other
Groups
Urchins and their allies the sand dollars and heart urchins make
up the Class Echinoidea in the phylum Echinodermata. You're familiar
with this phylum's other four living Classes, the Sea Stars, Brittle
stars, Sea Cucumbers and Sea Lilies & Feather Stars. Collectively the
echinoderms or spiny-skinned animals are grouped as radially
symmetrical, with a water-vascular system (ambulacral) responsible for
their peculiar locomotory tube feet. They have a true body cavity
(coelom) supporting a calcareous internal or external skeleton... in the
case of urchins, called the test.
The Class Echinoidea including the Urchins are discoidal, ovate or
globose echinoderms having bodies covered with spines and no arms. The
name Echinoidea is actually Greek for "like a hedgehog" referring to
these spines. Their mouths are aboral, that is, directed against the
substrate. Distributed between these spines are beak-like
pedicellariae, specialized tube feet used
for cleaning and defense. Some
of these structures are termed globeriferous pedicellariae (now that's a
mouthful!) and contain poison glands. About
800 species of urchins have been described.
Examples (to avoid):
Vanna… White? No, Vanna, OW!
Several years back, friend MichelleM was visiting out on Kona (Hawai’i’s
Big Island for you haoles); when we decided to have a night swim in
front of the main drag (Ali’i Dr.), just south of the King Kam. I had
warned her to not stand up twixt the sandy beaches to the ends, north
and south; as the urchins come out and scour the rocks next to the
concrete breakwater at night. As the lack of luck would have it, she did
stop a bit short on the return leg and got poked but good by the local
wana (pronounce “van nah”; Hawaiian for urchins).
We did a quick look, see at the local stores to see if any had a handy
sharp tool for easing the broken spine segments out, but gave up after a
cursory go with a straightened out large metal staple. I told Mich not
to worry; as the pieces would dissolve in a few to several days… and she
limped along with the help of NSAIDs. And yes; the spines did dissolve
in time; sans infection.
Isla Socorro by Night:
In the early 1970’s I had the good fortune of meeting up with the
Huffman family maintaining their aquariums at home and offices in San
Diego, CA. They owned a fab “six pack” boat, the Reward, 78 feet in the
water; which occasionally they used themselves for outings al sur to the
Islas Revillagigedos; and a guyot called Hurricane. Occasionally they
allowed me to haul along as a safety diver and erstwhile boat helper;
including some tropical fish collecting. It will come as no surprise to
you if you’ve been night diving that many fishes “lay down to sleep” on
the bottom, near rock and reef structure; providing a great boon for
collectors willing to dive nocturnally.
On one such night, the freshly recruited skipper, JohnF; went out with
me looking for juvenile Clarion Angelfish… and though he was a more than
competent hunter/diver, ended up disoriented, laying directly down on a
group of Diadema urchins… puncturing his suit, knee and upper leg.
JohnF’s intake of spines was far more numerous, deeper and involved
larger pieces than Michelle’s… And he was adamant that he was going to
“dig them out”, no matter how much I tried to dissuade him. He did cut
into himself, lancing with a single edge razor, and gingerly (gripping
too hard just breaks the spines) pulled out much of the remnants. We
applied a topical antibiotic cream after washing the damaged area with
hydrogen peroxide, and that was the end of below water action for the
skipper that trip.
Lembeh Strait Coleman Shrimp Burns:
One benchmark photo experience for macro divers in the coral triangle
involves searching symbiotic (toxic) fire urchins and their Coleman
Shrimp, Zebra Crab, Squat Lobster… hosts. Often the close ups are really
close… involving the use of diopters with a need for proximity to their
subjects… and the urchins in question here are quite social, living and
moving about in a grouping. As you’ve likely surmised, this is a recipe
for mis-engagement. In the several times I’ve been to Lembeh; I’ve noted
as many occasions of these “burning” encounters on unwary divers hands,
arms and exposed legs.
Treatments:
For Spine Punctures:
Easier to say than do; but once you realized you’ve been punctured, do
your level best to not over-react by touching the area. As calmly as
you’re able, surface and once on land or boat, expose the area for a
clear view. IF spine parts are exposed, GENTLY pull on them to remove.
IF too deeply lodged, it is best to leave small pieces embedded,
treating the pierced area as a wound to prevent infection. Soap and
water will do; followed by flushing with fresh water. NSAIDs are of use
for pain relief and anti-inflammation action. Hot water immersion
(some folks advocate for vinegar, lime juice, urine…) may lessen pain.
Deep wounds and ones where spines are lodged in joints are another
matter; and should you feel faint, nauseous, have breathing troubles,
muscle fatigue or even paralysis; you’re encouraged to seek medical
help.
Pedicellariae: Chemical Burns:
For toxic exposures, some sources encourage the immersion of the
affected area in very warm water for a few tens of minutes for
denaturing probable protein toxins. IF there is attached urchin material
on the wound, this is best removed using a bit of shaving cream and a
simple throw-away razor. Avoiding Troubles:
Most issues with urchins are avoided by simply being aware of their
presence and your own body while in the water. Take care whenever
entering and exiting ocean shallows to assure there are none to be
encountered. At all times watch where your body goes… with current;
especially during night dives; when it’s very easy to lose your sense of
hydrostatic balance.
Mmm; and there are danger-free urchins, like Pencils and Slates… though,
as always, it’s best for all to not be touched. Simply put: Don’t handle
marine life and you won’t be mal-affected by it.
Cloze:
So; as with all dangerous marine animals; forewarned is fore-armed: be
aware of, and avoid coming in physical contact with too-spiny and toxic
sea urchins. This is easily done given good buoyancy control, awareness
of your surroundings; and the usual good placement of your hands and
body en toto. Should you get barely spined unintentionally there is
likely little you can and should do other than ameliorative analgesic
action. Too many, too deep spines breaking off in you or too extreme
effects of duration call for prompt medical attention.
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