10 Types Of Stinging Marine Life Paddlers Must Watch Out For

When you’re paddling, what lives below in the water can feel like a world away. Even when the visibility is incredible, paddlers may find a false sense of security when floating above the water line. In reality, however, some harmful stinging creatures can lurk underneath your kayak, canoe, and SUP boards. It’s essential you know about these different types of stinging marine life to stay safe while paddling near them.

Jellyfish, stingrays, and sea urchins are among the most common and harmful types of stinging marine life paddlers must watch out for. There are reef species, including fire coral and anemone, which may look stunning, but pack a powerful sting. Sea lice and stinging hydroids are small but potentially painful creatures to watch for. Certain fish, including scorpionfish like lionfish and weever fish, pack a potent sting.

Paddlers spend a lot of energy thinking about how to protect themselves from what’s above the water, like the sun, rain, and insects. But it is also crucial paddlers are aware of different types of marine life that can cause harmful stings. Knowing what can harm you when paddling is the first step towards keeping you safe on the water. Below is a list of common harmful types of stinging marine life that every paddler should look out for.

10 Types Of Stinging Marine Life Paddlers Should Know About

1. Jellyfish

The most common and well-known stinging creature in the ocean is the jellyfish. There are more than 2,000 species of jellyfish floating in the oceans and seas throughout the world. Some are large and colorful, and others are tiny and translucent.

Many paddlers have had at least one negative jellyfish experience. While these encounters often result in nothing more than a close call or a manageable sting, paddlers must remember these creatures can cause serious injury and even death.

The box jellyfish and Portuguese man o’ war are some of the most dangerous types of these stinging marine animals, but many other species can cause sharp pain. Some jellyfish species come close to shore during certain moon phases, so understanding a specific jellyfish’s behavior is a great way to protect yourself.

2. Stingrays

Stingrays are another common marine animal that can pack a potentially life-threatening sting if a paddler isn’t careful. Stingrays often burrow and hide under the sand. They tend to enjoy shallow waters, and can often be found near the coast. These attributes make them potentially harmful to paddlers as they enter and exit the water.

There are various types of stingrays. Some irritate, while others have venom that can kill grown humans. Stingrays are one reason paddlers should always wear the correct protective footwear and watch where they are going when entering and exiting the water.

3. Fire Coral

Coral reefs are a wonder to look at while snorkeling, and they can even be enjoyed from the seat of a kayak with the right polarized kayak sunglasses and water visibility. It is critical paddlers remember, however, that while most coral is harmless some varieties can sting and injure unsuspecting paddlers who get too close. This coral releases venom when touched, and causes a horrible burning sensation.

Fire coral is usually yellow, green, or brown, and has a branch-like appearance. It tends to grow close to the surface because it thrives on sunlight. Since it is so close to the surface, paddlers are susceptible to its sting if they touch it by mistake, or capsize above it.

4. Sea Urchins

Some stinging creatures make it very clear they are harmful - and sea urchins are a perfect example of this. These marine invertebrates are covered with spikes that can easily pierce an unassuming paddler’s skin when he or she is entering or exiting a paddling vessel.

There are nearly 1,000 types of these spiny creatures. Some are more harmful than others, but all should be avoided. They often rest on rocks, or in hard-to-see places. Paddlers should be extra cautious when entering and exiting the water when they know sea urchins are in the area.

5. Sea Anemones

Sea anemones are magical-looking marine vertebrates that have gracefully flowing fluorescent tentacles. They are commonly found in many reef systems, but exist in most types of marine habitats.

Some sea anemones are harmless to humans, but others can sting and cause unsuspecting paddlers severe pain. As a rule, paddlers should admire these underwater marvels from afar to avoid a potentially painful sting.

6. Stinging Hydroids

There are several small marine species that you might not notice until it is too late. Stinging hydroids are a great example of a small but dangerous sea creature paddlers should know about.

Stinging hydroids are small worm-like creatures that have venomous tentacles they use to catch prey. They eat small marine animals like shrimp, but their venom can cause sharp pain to unassuming paddlers and swimmers alike.

These creatures can live along docks and on rocks, so paddlers should be cautious when kayaking and attempting a wet exit in areas where stinging hydroids are present.

7. Lionfish

While some fish are known to bite humans, others prefer to sting them. Lionfish are a type of scorpionfish that use barbs along their spines and fins to inject venom into prey, as well as into humans who get too close.

Lionfish are stunning creatures to admire from afar, but paddlers should keep their distance. If stung, their venom can cause severe pain, fever, vomiting, and other horrible reactions. Lionfish are on the rise in places like Florida and throughout the Gulf of Mexico. Those who paddle in this region (and other tropical areas) should be on the lookout for these stinging fish.

8. Weever Fish

The weever fish is another type of scorpionfish but is found throughout Europe, particularly in the UK and France. These fish have spines that can inject a painful and very harmful toxin into paddlers. What’s worse is these fish often hide in the sand, making it easy to step on them.

Weever fish are most common in the summer and fall and are found all over Europe in the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. They tend to be small, making them hard to spot, but they can grow more than a foot long.

9. Sea Lice

Like their name suggests, sea lice are small, but potentially very irritating marine creatures. Sea lice are not lice, but instead the tiny larvae of jellyfish. Some jellyfish larvae cause little to know irritation, but others can cause pain and severe itch.

Sea lice are hard to see, as they are mostly translucent. Paddlers who jump in the water and swim while paddling are particularly at risk. These larvae can get trapped in a paddler’s bathing suit, and the longer they stay close to the skin, the more severe the stinging reaction is likely to be. When paddling in an area that has jellyfish larvae present, remember to shower as soon as you return to shore. This reduces the likelihood of a lasting reaction.

10. California Cones

There are even tiny snails hiding in pretty shells that can sting paddlers. California cones look like shells that any collector would love to pick up, but these cone-like snails pack a powerful sting. As the name suggests, these cone snails are found throughout California down to Mexico, as north as San Francisco, and down to Baja.

The snail hides within the shell, but they have small barbed teeth that inject venom into prey, and humans when they get too close.

Seven Ways To Protect Yourself From Stinging Marine Life

1. Cover Your Skin

One of the best ways to protect yourself from the various types of stinging marine life listed above is to keep yourself covered. If you are wearing a protective layer made of materials suitable for paddling, several types of stinging marine life won’t be able to reach your skin.

Keep in mind that animals like sea urchins and Scorpion fish have sharp spikes that can puncture most clothing, so you must still be cautious of where you place your feet when exiting your paddling vessel.

2. Keep Your Distance

You must remember that just because you are floating above stinging marine life in a SUP board or kayak, it doesn't mean you won’t unexpectedly fall in the water. Capsizing events are not planned and usually happen quickly and unexpectedly.

Keep your distance if you notice stinging marine life like a stingray, or jellyfish, or are in an area with anemone or fire coral. The further away you are from this potentially dangerous aquatic life, the less likely you are to feel its harmful effects.

3. Avoid Touching Reef And Rocks

As a rule, you should never touch coral reefs. For one, it can damage an ecosystem that is already very fragile due to climate change and various other factors. Furthermore, you can’t see what kind of stinging or biting creatures lurk within the coral.

You never know if there is a sea urchin, stinging fish, or hydroids hiding. Even the coral itself can sting you in some cases. Try to stay several feet away from reefs and rocks, as you never know where a current or wave will suddenly take you too close.

4. Know Potential Hazards Before Entering The Water

You should know all about the potential hazards before entering the water. If you are traveling in the UK, then you know weever fish are a problem, and you should wear the right footwear. The same goes for areas with sea urchins, sting rays, and other barbed creatures.

The more you know about the potential dangers that lurk within the waters you are paddling, the more prepared you can be to keep yourself safe and know what to look for.

5. Read Warning Signs On The Beach

In many areas where swimming and watersports are popular, there are various warning signs put up by lifeguards. These signs often include potentially dangerous stinging animals. Keep an eye out for jellyfish, sea urchins, and other warning signs at beaches and launch points.

If the sign is posted there is a good chance these stinging creatures are present in the waters you are paddling in. You may want to reconsider paddling in this area, or at least take extra precautions.

6. Paddle With A Buddy

Paddling with a buddy is always a good idea. After all, two sets of eyes are better than one. A buddy can help you keep an eye out for stinging marine life in the water. Furthermore, a paddling buddy can come to your aid if you get stung. Remember that some stings, like a box jellyfish, and some stinging fish, can be deadly and must be treated quickly.

7. Know The Symptoms And How To Treat Them

Sometimes, even with all the best preparations, you can still get stung. Some jellyfish and larvae are almost impossible to see, and other creatures, like stinging corals, look harmless. Therefore, you must understand the symptoms of a marine life sting, and how to treat these stings.

Some stings require anti-itch cream and rest, while others can require immediate emergency medical treatment. Knowing the difference between different marine life stings makes all the difference.

Summing Up Stinging Marine Life Paddlers Should Look Out For

As paddlers, It’s important to take safety measures to protect yourself from harmful elements that exist both above and below the water. This includes potentially dangerous stinging marine creatures. The most common types of stinging marine life include jellyfish, sea urchins, stingrays, and various scorpionfish.

Remember even some types of coral like fire coral, some anemones, and even snails like California cones can sting paddlers. Wearing protective clothing and being extra cautious when entering and exiting your paddling vessel goes a long way in reducing the risk of getting stung by these sea creatures.

What Happens If I Flip?