Venomous fish in Norway
Stings from the spines of venomous fish can occur while fishing, bathing or handling. Gutting of fish can also cause symptoms as the toxin still has an effect after the fish has died.
Weever fish (Trachinus draco)
Can be found from the Swedish coast up to Trondheim Fjord.
Other fish with venomous spines in coastal areas:
- rabbit fish (Chimaera monstrosa)
- spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias)
- brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus)
Poisoning with golden redfish (Sebastes norvegicus) is uncertain, but experience shows that it causes similar symptoms to other venomous fish.
Symptoms if you are stung
- Intense pain in and around the puncture site is common. The pain can radiate outwards.
- Swelling, redness and impaired mobility are common. The swelling can in some cases develop and become extensive.
- Dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting can occur.
- The pain usually passes within 24 hours, but local symptoms can be seen for days to weeks after being stung.
- Complications and long-term effects may occur.
First aid in case of stings
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Hot water treatment often provides rapid pain relief, especially if done within 4 hours of the sting.
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Immerse the affected area in water as hot as you can tolerate (around 40–45°C).
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Check the temperature with an unaffected part of your body first to avoid scalding (skin damage caused by high temperature).
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Continue hot water treatment until the pain subsides (often within 30–45 minutes), or for up to 90 minutes.
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- Consider other pain relief if hot water treatment is not effective.
- A tetanus vaccination should be considered.
- Contact a doctor if you experience:
- persistent severe pain after completing hot water treatment
- significant swelling
- general malaise or feeling unwell
- recurring symptoms
- signs of infection or remaining spine fragments