SOURCE: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/accidents-and-injuries/bites-and-stings/sea-creature-stings FETCHED: 2026-11-03 16:00 AEDT - - - - Sea creature bites and stings | healthdirect - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Skip to content Print Share # Sea creature bites and stings Warning: Sea creature bites and stings can be life-threatening. If you or someone else is having trouble breathing, having a cardiac arrest or are unconscious, call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance. ## Key facts - Some Australian sea creature bites and stings can be life-threatening. - The type of first aid you need depends on the creature involved and where the sting or bite is. - Symptoms depend on the creature involved, but usually include pain, redness and swelling. - Treatment can include removal of tentacles or spikes, washing of the wound and in severe cases, CPR. - Do not swim in the sea when there are warnings about jellyfish and other sea creatures. ## What are sea creature bites and stings? There are numerous sea creatures that can bite or sting you. Most injuries are caused by: - jelly fish stings - spiny fish - stingrays - sea urchins The severity of the sting depends on what's stung you. Bites and stings from sea creatures can cause anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction). ### Bluebottles and other jellyfish (non-tropical stingers) Bluebottles are found in the seas around Australia. They are also called Portuguese man-o-war. Bluebottle stings are the most common jellyfish stings in Australia. ### Box jellyfish, Irukandji and other tropical stingers Tropical stingers live in tropical waters along the coastline of Northern Australia. The most dangerous are box jellyfish and Irukandji. The height of the stinger season is from November to May. ### Fish sting injuries Injuries from fish and stingrays can happen through a bite, stinger or spine. When these spines stab into your skin, they release venom. ### Stonefish stings Stonefish live all along the coast and in some fresh waters. They are more often found in tropical waters. They look like rocks and live among rocks on coral reefs or in mud or sand. The stonefish's back is lined with spines that release a venom. This makes them very dangerous. ### Blue-ringed octopus, sea snake and cone shell bites and stings The blue ringed octopus can be found in rock pools and reefs around Australia. Bites and stings from the blue-ringed octopus, sea snakes and cone shells are very dangerous and can cause death. ### Sea urchin injuries Sea urchins are found in the seas around Australia. Most injuries happen when they're stepped on or picked up. ### Sponge injuries Reactions to sponges are uncommon. ## What are the symptoms of sea creature bites and stings? Sea creature bites and stings can be life-threatening. If you or someone else is having trouble breathing, having a cardiac arrest or are unconscious, call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance. If you are bitten or stung by a sea creature, the first aid treatment depends on the creature involved. ### Bluebottles and other jellyfish (non-tropical stingers) Symptoms are: - intense pain straight away - redness at the site ### Box jellyfish, Irukandji and other tropical stingers The symptoms of a box jellyfish sting are: - severe pain in the area - rash — appears over 7 to 14 days - unconsciousness - seizure - cardiac arrest An Irukandji sting causes a minor skin irritation at first. Then 5 to 40 minutes later you may get symptoms of Irukandji Syndrome: - muscle pain - headache - nausea and vomiting - sweating - restlessness ### Fish sting injuries Symptoms include: - severe pain in the area - swelling - puncture wound or barb in your skin ### Stonefish stings Symptoms of a stonefish sting are: - severe pain - swelling in the area - a barb in your skin ### Blue-ringed octopus, sea snake and cone shell bites and stings The bite from a blue-ringed octopus is often painless. Symptoms may include: - numbness around your mouth, tongue, face and neck - tight chest and trouble breathing Cone shell stings can cause: - pain, swelling and numbness - muscle weakness — this can make it hard to breathe - changes in vision, speech and hearing ### Sea urchin injuries Symptoms include: - pain - spines in your skin ### Sponge injuries Symptoms include: - pain - itchiness - numbness These symptoms can last for days. CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help. ## When should I see a doctor? Sea creature bites and stings can be life-threatening. Get help from a lifeguard if possible. Minor bluebottle stings and sponge stings can be treated at home. Stings and bites from most other sea creatures will require urgent medical attention. ### When to seek urgent care Get urgent care if you: - have severe symptoms after a sting from a bluebottle or other jellyfish - are stung by a box jellyfish - are stung by a stonefish or other stinging fish - are stung by a sea urchin - are stung by a blue-ringed octopus or cone snail - are bitten by a sea snake ### Anaphylaxis Warning: If you think you or someone you know is experiencing anaphylaxis, use the adrenaline autoinjector immediately. Then call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. Follow an ASCIA allergy action plan, if you have one. Some people experience anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) to sea creature bites and stings. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include: - difficult or noisy breathing - a swollen tongue - swelling or tightness in the throat - difficulty talking or a hoarse voice - persistent (ongoing) dizziness or collapse - wheeze or persistent cough - going pale and floppy (young children) Use an adrenaline autoinjector — EpiPen or Anapen, if you have one. Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services. ## How are sea creature bites and stings treated? Your treatment will depend on the type of creature that has bitten or stung you. If you don't know what has stung you, a lifeguard or other people nearby might be able to tell you. ### Bluebottles and other jellyfish (non-tropical stingers) To treat a bluebottle sting: - Wash any tentacles off the skin with seawater, not fresh water. - Soak the affected area in hot water (no hotter than can be easily tolerated) for 20 minutes to relieve the pain. Don't use vinegar as this may make your pain worse. See a doctor if your pain doesn't get better with painkillers. ### Box jellyfish, Irukandji and other tropical stingers To treat a box jellyfish sting: - Call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. - Get help from a lifesaver or lifeguard if possible. - Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if needed. - Pour or spray vinegar onto the sting for at least 30 seconds. Then pick off the tentacles. - If vinegar is not available, pick off the tentacles and wash the area with sea water. Anti-venom is available at hospitals. To treat an Irukandji jellyfish sting: - Call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. - Get help from a lifesaver or lifeguard if possible. - Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if needed. - Pour vinegar onto the sting for at least 30 seconds. ### Fish stings injuries To treat a fish or stingray injury: - Wash the wound. - For pain relief, immerse affected area in hot water (45°C) for up to 90 minutes. If you have a deep wound or a lot of pain go to the hospital. ### Stonefish To treat a sting: - Call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. - Leave the spine in the skin — unless the ambulance operator tells you to remove it. - Soak the affected area in hot water (no hotter than can be easily tolerated) for up to 30 minutes. Stonefish antivenom is available if needed. ### Blue-ringed octopus, sea snake and cone shell bites and stings To treat a sting: - Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. - Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage (Opens in new tab) if the bite is on a foot, leg, hand or arm. - Keep the person as calm and still as possible until medical help arrives. - Provide CPR if needed. ### Sea urchin injuries To treat sea urchin injuries: - Remove spines close to the surface. - Immerse affected area in water (no hotter than easily tolerated) for 20 minutes. Repeat if your symptoms continue. - See a doctor to have the spines removed if you can't do it yourself. ### Sponge injuries To treat sponge injury, wash the wound. ## How can I prevent sea creature bites and stings? To protect yourself from sea creature bites and stings: - Swim at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags. - Check signs for sea creature warnings. - Do not touch sea creatures. - Supervise children around rock pools. Teach them to look and not touch. In tropical waters, it's recommended to: - Swim at patrolled beaches during warmer months - Wear a full body swimsuit also called a stinger suit. - Enter the water slowly and shuffle your feet. This gives stingrays time to swim away. ## Resources and support For expert advice, call the Poison Information Hotline (Opens in new tab) on 13 11 26 . See St John Ambulance Australia's quick guide to first aid management of bites and stings (Opens in new tab) . Knowing what to do in an emergency can save a life. Visit St John Ambulance Australia's first aid resuscitation procedures (DRSABCD) poster (Opens in new tab) . You can book a first aid course through St John Ambulance Australia (Opens in new tab) or call them at 1300 360 455 . The Australian Red Cross (Opens in new tab) First Aid app (Opens in new tab) is free and easy-to-use. It gives you instant access to the information you will need to handle the most common first aid emergencies. The Australian Bites & Stings app (Opens in new tab) contains first aid instructions on what to do if you're bitten or stung by a venomous creature, and is free to download. The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (Opens in new tab) has information on anaphylaxis (Opens in new tab) . They also give advice on how to set up an anaphylaxis action plan (Opens in new tab) . You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. ### Sources - Australian Family Physician — Marine envenomations (Opens in new tab) - QLD Government: Queensland Poisons Information Centre — Sea creature bites and stings (Opens in new tab) - Queensland Surf Life Saving — Marine Stingers (Opens in new tab) - Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network — Marine bites and stings (Opens in new tab) - Emergency Care Institute — Non-venomous marine stings (Opens in new tab) - St John Ambulance Australia — Bites and stings quick guide (Opens in new tab) - Surf life saving NSW — Marine Creatures (Opens in new tab) - Australian Museum — Reef stonefish (Opens in new tab) - Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia — Anaphylaxis (Opens in new tab) Find out how we develop and review our content . Last reviewed: September 2025 ## Need more information? These trusted information partners have more on this topic. General search results Results for medical professionals Top results ### Bites and stings | NT.GOV.AU Bites and stings from bats, insects, caterpillars, jellyfish and mosquitoes. Learn more on NT Health website ### Bites and stings | Queensland Poisons Information Centre Learn about common symptoms of bites and stings, what first aid to use, when to get medical help or call an ambulance. Learn more on Queensland Health website ### Bites and stings – first aid | Better Health Channel First aid information about what to do If for common bites and stings. Includes - spiders, snakes, scorpions, bees, ticks, wasps, octopus, jellyfish and other sea creatures. Learn more on Better Health Channel website ### Bites and stings | National Centre for Farmer Health Allergies to venoms from stinging insects (bees, wasps and ants) are one of the most common causes of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in Australia. Symptoms include an all over rash, swelling of tongue or throat, trouble breathing, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting or a drop in blood pressure (shock). Learn more on National Centre for Farmer Health website ### Bites and stings quick guide – St John Australia Learn more on St John Ambulance Australia website ### Insect bites & stings: treatment | Raising Children Network You can treat many insect bites and stings yourself. For example, pain relief and cold packs usually work for mosquito bites, ant bites, bee stings and so on. Learn more on raisingchildren.net.au website ### First aid for bites and stings - myDr.com.au First aid tips for bites and stings from some of the most venomous creatures in the world - snakes, spiders, jellyfish, blue ringed octopus and cone snail - all of which are found in Australia. Learn more on myDoctor website ### Allergies to bites and stings | Better Health Channel Allergies to insect stings and bites range from milder allergic reactions to life-threatening, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) Learn more on Better Health Channel website ### Insect and Tick Allergy - Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) Allergic reactions to Bites and Stings, Jack Jumper Ant Allergy, Tick Allergy Learn more on ASCIA website ### Kids Health Info : Insect bites and stings Learn more on Royal Children's Hospital website Show more Top results ### Basic First-aid for the Envenomated Person (Snakes, Spiders and Insects) Envenomation is the exposure to an animal’s toxic secretion (known as venom), generally via a bite or sting. While death due to envenomation is rare, with only 19 occurrences recorded between 2017 and 2018, envenomation can cause serious illness and requires immediate treatment. Learn more on Ausmed Education website ### Lyme Disease Lyme disease (also known as Lyme borreliosis) is a bacterial infection transmitted through tick bites. It is a potentially multi-systemic condition that, if left untreated, may lead to serious symptoms. Learn more on Ausmed Education website ### Head Lice: What They Are and How to Get Rid of Them Head lice are small, wingless, biting insects that live on, breed in and feed on the human scalp. An adult louse can range from a whitish-brown to reddish-brown colour and is about 2 to 4 millimetres in length. Learn more on Ausmed Education website ### What is Dengue? Dengue is a mosquito-transmitted virus that causes dengue fever, a flu-like illness. Dengue is transmitted through a bite from two types of mosquito: the Dengue mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and the Asian Tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus). Learn more on Ausmed Education website ### Privacy and Dignity: NDIS Provider Rights and Responsibilities Privacy and dignity is a requirement of the NDIS Practice Standards under Core Module 1: Rights and Responsibilities. This Practice Standard aims to ensure that NDIS participants receive supports that respect their dignity and right to privacy. Learn more on Ausmed Education website ### Grief and Bereavement Grief is personal and can begin before death. Quality palliative care, open communication, and culturally-sensitive bereavement support improve grieving outcomes for families and carers. Learn more on palliAGED website ### Dysphagia and Swallowing Dysphagia is a common condition seen in many long-term care clients, with chewing and swallowing problems affecting between 30 and 50% of Australian aged care residents. It can have serious consequences, such as choking and aspiration pneumonia, if not appropriately managed. Learn more on Ausmed Education website ### Independence and Informed Choice: NDIS Rights and Responsibilities Independence and informed choice is a requirement of the NDIS Practice Standards under Core Module 1: Rights and Responsibilities. This Practice Standard aims to ensure that providers support NDIS participants in making informed decisions, exercising control, and optimising their independence. Learn more on Ausmed Education website ### Understanding Malaria: Should Australians be Concerned? Malaria is an infectious disease caused by the parasite Plasmodium, which is transmitted through the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito. At least 200 million people are infected with malaria every year. In 2023, there were 597,000 malaria deaths worldwide. Learn more on Ausmed Education website ### Safety and Quality Roles and Responsibilities in Your Organisation Every staff member of a health service organisation is, in some way, responsible for ensuring that safe and high-quality care is delivered to clients. The organisation’s role is to support its workforce to understand and perform their designated safety and quality roles and responsibilities. Learn more on Ausmed Education website Show more ## Search our site for - Poisoning ## Symptom Checker Worried about your health? Select a symptom, answer some questions, get advice Start a symptom check ## Service Finder service category General practice Pharmacy Hospital Emergency department Search other services Enter suburb or postcode Use current location Find a service Back to top