The Habu Hunters of Okinawa


The Taiwanese Habu was introduced to Okinawa in the 1970’s. They were imported for exhibitions and medical purposes. Somehow a few escaped and have populated the Island.  I have seen over a dozen on my night hikes in Onna village.

  • Scientific name: Protobothrops mucrosquamatus
  • Common name: Taiwanese habu or Brown spotted pit viper
  • Habitat: Rock walls, trees, and caves
  • Diet: Frogs, bats, mice, and birds
  • Average size: 80-150cm
Taiwanese babus snakes of Okinawa -Protobothrops mucrosquamatus
Taiwanese habu

The local government is actively trying to eliminate this invasive habu. Live traps are set up all around the Island. Do not open!

Habu traps on Okinawa
Habu trap

Last night, I saw a Taiwanese habu poking its head out of the sugar cane. There was a dead mouse three feet away on the road. I turned the car around and waited for a few minutes with my lights off. Eventually, a small Taiwanese habu slithered out of the field. I was hoping to see the habu eat the mouse. Instinct kicked in and the snake fled the scene. I returned in the morning, and the mouse was gone.

mice of Okinawa
Dead mouse
Dangerous habu snakes
Taiwanes habu- Onna village

I often find them crossing the road or on sidewalks. It is wise to carry a flashlight on your night walks. The Taiwanese habu is aggressive and highly venomous. If you see one do not try and catch it.

Taiwanese habu- neighborhood at night -Protobothrops mucrosquamatus
Taiwanes habu- Onna village
Taiwanese habu -Onna village, Okinawa
Taiwanese habu -Onna village, Okinawa
Habu snake on a fence
Taiwanes habu- Onna villlage

Okinawa has three species of pit vipers. If you would like to learn more, check out my previous post on the venomous snakes of Okinawa.

This site is also designed to help people identify the beautiful animals of Okinawa, basically to serve as an online nature reference guide. Please consider making a contribution to support my mission

Your donations will help conservation initiatives as well as bring solutions to the worldwide pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines. Thank you for your support, Shawn M Miller.

#MakeTheSwitch4Nature

Parasitic Isopods of the Ryukyu Islands

Scorpionfish, lionfish and stonefish all belong to the family Scorpaenidae. They all are well camouflaged and highly venomous. Their defensive spines can deliver a painful sting. It’s best to wear exposure protection and maintain good bouncy control to avoid getting envenomated by these ambush predators.

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In the 1980’s Robert Bolland stumbled upon an interesting underwater find. He found a tiny undescribed isopod hitching a ride on a scorpionfish. 1984 the parasitic isopod Renocila bollandi from Okinawa was named after him.

Renocila bollandi from

Over the years I photographed a dozen of these orange Isopods (Renocilla bollandi)

I have always wondered,

  • What is the relationship between the two?
  • Is the relationship mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism?
  • Why does the isopod only prefer venomous fish (scorpionfish) as its host?
  • Why does the isopod always stay close to the eye?

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Scorpionfish Okinawa

Scorpaenopsis diabolus scorpionfish

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See why they call it the bearded scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis cirrhosa).

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Learn more about the hazardous marine life of Okinawa.

Learn more about Robert Bolland and his research at The Okinawa Slug Site.

 My Mission: To Document and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands

This site is also designed to help people identify the beautiful animals of Okinawa, basically to serve as an online nature reference guide. If you would like to make a contribution to support my mission, please click on the donation link  paypal.me/maketheswitch4nature

Your donations will help conservation initiatives as well as bring solutions to the worldwide pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines.  Thank you for your support, Shawn M Miller.

#MakeTheSwitch4Nature

Get Fa-Millerized with the Nature of the Ryukyu Islands  – – – –  SUBSCRIBE BELOW

Deadliest Marine Fish of the Ryukyu Islands by Shawn Miller

The reef stonefish is the most venomous fish found on Okinawa. The stonefish resembles an encrusted rock and sometimes has algae growing from its skin. The reef stonefish is an ambush predator and spends its day patiently waiting for a fish to pass by. The stonefish is not aggressive at all. It is extremely dangerous because it doesn’t show any flashy warning signs. The spines deliver an extremely painful sting with strong venom injected into the body.

Reef, rock, sponge or fish?

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Reef stonefish ( synanceia verrucosa ) Sunabe, Okinawa

If you spend any time exploring the ocean, I encourage you to look at these images and get familiar with these deadly facial features.

37059972063_6a80c038b1_oThe reef stonefish will also bury itself in the sand. Does that make it a sand stonefish?
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The false stonefish is much smaller and is usually found in shallow water. Its a master of concealing itself from visual detection.

43841230074_9a32ff9591_oThe false stonefish is more active than the reef stonefish. It generally gives predators a warning sign by displaying its brightly colored pectoral fins.

False stone fish

Most of the false stonefish and scorpionfish will fluoresce beautifully under blue light.
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 Ways to avoid injury

    • Be respectful and avoid harassing, touching and feeding marine life

 

    • Maintain good buoyancy control

 

  • Wear exposure protection- felt bottom booties

People often ask me what is the purpose of conservation photography? Having the ability to affect some form of positive change in the environment and make a global difference with the photographs. Hopefully, the images will inspire people to care more about nature and make a positive difference in the environment. 

If you would like to use any of my photographs, please contact me directly.

Have a great day!

Okinawa Coral snake – Venomous snakes of the Ryukyu Islands by Shawn Miller

The Okinawa Coral snake (Simomicrurus japonicus boettgeri) is a venomous snake found throughout the Ryukyu Islands. They are difficult to find here on Okinawa and are usually found at night. More effort should be focused on conserving this exotic native snake. This beautiful snake has been overlooked and needs to be protected. It is currently listed near threatened on the IUCN red list of endangered species.

  • Scientific name:  Simomicrurus japonicus boettgeri
  • Local name: Okinawa Coral snake
  • Distribution:  Ryukyu Islands
  • Habitat Forests
  • Diet: Small snakes and lizards
  • Average size:  30cm -60cm
  • Color:  Black, orange with a yellow and black belly.

photograph They blend in very well with leaves and broken sticks making them hard to find.

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When threatened the coral snake will coil its tail. This defense mechanism confuses the predator.

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These rare snakes are often found crossing the road at night and sadly I have seen more dead than alive.

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The underside of the snake is quite beautiful as well.

IMG_3074 The Hyan coral snake ( Sinomicrurus japonicus japonicus) is a subspecies we found on Amami Island.  The stripes are less interrupted than the Okinawan coral snake.

FotoJet12

IMG_0764People often ask me what is the purpose of conservation photography? Having the ability to affect some form of positive change in the environment and make a global difference with the photographs. Hopefully, the images will inspire people to care more about nature and make a positive difference in the environment.

 My Mission: To Document and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands

This site is also designed to help people identify the beautiful animals of Okinawa, basically to serve as an online nature reference guide. If you would like to make a contribution to support my mission, please click on the donation link 

Your donations will help conservation initiatives as well as bring solutions to the worldwide pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines.  Thank you for your support, Shawn M Miller.

#MakeTheSwitch4Nature 

Crown of Thorns Starfish – Hazardous Starfish of Okinawa by Shawn Miller

The crown of thorns starfish (Ancanthaster planci) plays an important role in the underwater world. They generally feed on the fastest growing corals, allowing the slower growing coral to establish ground. They are the coral moderators, the gardeners of the sea and help increase the diversity of coral species on the reef.

Cots

Mature Crown of thorns starfish © Shawn Miller

Animals that feed on coral are known as corallivores.

Natural coral bleaching

Natural coral bleaching © Shawn Miller

In Okinawa, we have a variety of Corallivorous marine snails ( Drupella sp).  These small snails have also caused serious damage to coral reefs.

Corallivorous snails Drupella sp

Corallivorous snails © Shawn Miller

The venomous sea star has sharply pointed spines that deliver a painful sting. The spines inject venom which causes extreme pain, discomfort and nausea. Most injuries occur because recreation Scuba divers cut up the starfish with a dive knife and the spine penetrates the hand. The starfish serves a purpose in the ecosystem so leave it alone. They are a native marine animal of the Ryukyu Islands.

COTS of Okinawa

COTS of Okinawa © Shawn Miller

COTS Venomous spines

COTS venomous spines © Shawn Miller

In Okinawa, we have had massive COTS outbreaks in the past. These outbreaks have devastated some of the most beautiful shallow water coral reefs.

Juvenile COTS feeding

Juvenile COTS feeding © Shawn Miller

Possible Outbreak Causes 

  •  A natural cycle of nature
  • The decrease in natural predators that feed on COTS
  • Increase in food source caused by agricultural runoff, causing a blooming effect.

Coral crabs are one of the natural protectors of the coral reef. The coral provides shelter and food for the coral crabs. The crabs are on call to defend against the coral-eating starfish and other marine predators.

Coral crabs (Calcinus minutus)

Coral crabs (Calcinus minutus) © Shawn Miller

Coral crabs (Cymo melanodactylus)

Coral crabs (Cymo melanodactylus) © Shawn Miller

Protective Coral crab (Trapezia sepata)

Protective Coral crab (Trapezia sepata) © Shawn Miller

Coral hermit crab (Pagurita vittata)

Coral hermit crab (Pagurita vittata) © Shawn Miller

Gall crab, Maeda point

Gall coral crabs © Shawn Miller

COTS have many natural predators. Over the last twenty-five years, I have observed marine snails, harlequin shrimp, sea anemones and fish feeding on healthy and injured COTS in the wild. I was not able to get photographs of all of this behavior taking place, many natural observations occurred before I purchased an underwater camera.

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Marine snails feeding on COTS © Shawn Miller

The trident trumpet (Charonia tritonis) is sought after by fisherman and shell collectors worldwide. The meat is a popular food source and the beautiful shell is valuable.

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These large snails are capable of eating mature COTS.  Overtaking has reduced populations of this of this predatory snail. More effort needs to be directed to the protection of this species. I have personally observed populations drastically decline over the years.

Trident trumpet © Shawn Miller

Trident trumpet © Shawn Miller

Trident trumpet feeding

Trident trumpet feeding © Shawn Miller

The Harlequin shrimp feed on juvenile COTS in the wild and captivity.   Harlequin shrimp populations are decreasing as well due to the over-collecting for the pet trade market.

Harlequin shrimp feeding

Harlequin shrimp feeding © Shawn Miller

Sea anemones are vicious predators and known to feed on the crown of thorns as well.

Sea anemone

Sea anemone © Shawn Miller

Red soil runoff contributes to coral reef bleaching and fertilizers entering the water. Could fertilizers, sewage or pollution really be the cause for a massive bloom in plankton causing an outbreak of healthy numbers of baby COTS?

Okinawa agricultural runoff

Okinawa agricultural runoff © Shawn Miller

 My Mission: To Document and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands

This site is also designed to help people identify the beautiful animals of Okinawa, basically to serve as an online nature reference guide. If you would like to make a contribution to support my mission, please click on the donation link  paypal.me/maketheswitch4nature

Your donations will help conservation initiatives as well as bring solutions to the worldwide pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines.  Thank you for your support, Shawn M Miller.

#MakeTheSwitch4Nature

 

Hazardous marine life of Okinawa by Shawn Miller

Okinawa offers some of the best snorkeling and scuba-diving in the world. The ocean is filled with vast amounts of marine life only found here. With all recreational hobbies, there are hazards to be concerned with. Okinawa has much hazardous marine life, most of which is located in very shallow water.

Safety first or pay the worst

Safety first or pay the worst – Image taken by  Shannon Fox

Ways to avoid injury

    • Be respectful and avoid harassing, touching, and feeding marine life.
    • Maintain good buoyancy control 
    • Recognize warning signs of aggression
    • Avoid wearing shiny jewelry
    • Wear exposure protection 

The Lionfish is beautiful but a hazardous fish. The spines deliver a painful sting with potent venom injected into the body. The Lionfish is native to this region, so there is no need to try to kill it.

  • First aid: Wash the area with soap and fresh water. Remove foreign material and control any bleeding. Soak the limb in hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek immediate medical treatment.
Lion fish ( Pterois volitans)

Lionfish ( Pterois volitans) © Shawn Miller

Most sea urchin injuries are due to people accidentally stepping on them in the shallow surf. Wearing proper footwear decreases your chances of getting injured. 

  • First aid: Remove visible spines. Wash with soap and water. Pain control if needed-hot water  (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek medical treatment if spines have entered the joints.
The diadema urchin (Echinothrix diadema)

The Diadema urchin (Echinothrix diadema) © Shawn Miller

Moray eels deliver a vicious bite with razor-sharp teeth. In some cases, the eels latch on and do not let go. Avoid placing hands into holes and feeding the eels.

  • First aid: Control the bleeding and seek medical treatment. Monitor for signs of infection
Moray eel (Gymnothorax flavimarginatus )

Moray eel -Gymnothorax flavimarginatus © Shawn Miller

The crown of thorn starfish has sharply pointed spines that deliver a painful sting. The spines inject venom, which causes extreme pain, discomfort, and possible nausea.  Most injuries occur because divers are cutting up the starfish with a dive knife and a spine accidentally penetrates the hand. The starfish has a purpose in the ecosystem, so leave it alone.

  • First aid: Remove visible spines. Wash with soap and water. Pain control if needed-hot water  (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek medical treatment if spines have entered the joints.
The crown-of-thorns starfish, Acanthaster planci

The crown-of-thorns starfish, Acanthaster planci © Shawn Miller

 

Coral moderators - COT'S

Coral moderators – COT’S © Shawn Miller

The blue-ringed octopus is one of the most beautiful marine animals. It is only the size of a golf ball but is extremely venomous if bitten. Avoid picking up this shallow-water octopus.

  • First aid: Wash the area with soap and fresh water. Apply pressure and limit your movement.  Immediate medical treatment. Monitor ABC’s
Blue Ringed Octopus (Hapalochlaena lunulata)

Blue Ringed Octopus (Hapalochlaena lunulata) © Shawn Miller

Fire coral are calcareous hydrozoans that deliver a painful sting. Avoid touching or rubbing against it.

  • First aid: Rinse with vinegar. Remove foreign matter. Wash area with salt waterPain control if needed-hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs.Seek medical treatment if infection occurs.
Fire coral ( Millepora sp)

Fire coral ( Millepora sp) © Shawn Miller

 

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Fire coral ( Millepora sp) © Shawn Miller

 

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Fire coral nematocysts © Shawn Miller

The reef stonefish is the most venomous fish found in Okinawa. It is truly a master of camouflage. The Stonefish resembles a rock blending into the coral reef. The spines deliver a painful sting with potent venom injected into the body

  • First aid: Wash the area with soap and fresh water. Remove foreign material and control any bleeding. Soak limb in hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek immediate medical treatment immediately.
Stone-zilla -huge stonefish

Stone-zilla -huge stonefish © Shawn Miller

 

Reef stonefish ( synanceia verrucosa ) Sunabe, Okinawa

Reef stonefish ( synanceia verrucosa ) © Shawn Miller

The reef stonefish buried under the sand!

Reef stonefish ( synanceia verrucosa ) under sand

Reef stonefish ( synanceia verrucosa )  Sand dweller © Shawn Miller

Cone shells are sought after by many shell collectors for their beauty. The marine snail injects potent venom with a harpoon-shaped tooth.

  • First aid: Wash the area with soap and fresh water. Apply pressure and limit your movement.  Immediate medical treatment. Monitor ABC’s

Princely cone hunting – Proboscis out © Shawn Miller

 

Geographic cone (Gastridium geographus

Geographic cone (Gastridium geographus) © Shawn Miller

 

Textile cone shell -  (Cylindrus textile textile)

Textile cone shell (Cylindrus textile textile) © Shawn Miller

 

Darioconus omaria © Shawn Miller

Darioconus omaria © Shawn Miller

The most dangerous cone shells of Okinawa are found in shallow water

Venomous cones shells of Okinawa

Venomous cones shells of Okinawa © Shawn Miller

The scorpion fish is another master of camouflage. The spines deliver a painful sting with strong venom injected into the body. These fish usually warn you of their presence by flaring out their fins and spines.

  • First aid: Wash the area with soap and fresh water. Remove foreign material and control any bleeding. Soak limb in hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek immediate medical treatment.
Reef Scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis Cirrhosa)

Reef Scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis Cirrhosa) © Shawn Miller

Stinging hydroids (fireweeds) are common in Okinawa. They are all avoidable as long as you do not touch or rub up against any. The hydroids deliver a painful sting.

  • First aid: Rinse with vinegar. Remove foreign matter. Wash area with salt water.  Pain control if needed-hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek medical treatment if an infection occurs.
Stinging Hydroid (Aglaophenia cupressina). Also known as Sea Ferns, Fire Hydroid, Fireweed, Feather Hydroid, Stinging Seawee

Stinging Hydroid (Aglaophenia cupressina) © Shawn Miller

An injury caused by fireweed. This photograph was taken three weeks after the painful sting.

Hydroid sting © Mark Kane

Hydroid sting © Mark Kane

Sea snakes will not harm you unless provoked. I have never heard of any divers being bitten in Okinawa. Rare cases have occurred with fisherman removing their catch from nets, and they were bitten on the hand.

  • First aid: Wash the area with soap and fresh water. Apply pressure and limit your movement.  Immediate medical treatment. Monitor ABC’s

Turtle head sea snake (Emydocephalus ijimae)

Turtle head sea snake (Emydocephalus ijimae) © Shawn Miller

 

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Blue banded sea snake (Laticauda colubrina) © Shawn Miller

The Leaf Scorpionfish is a venomous fish found on the reef. It resembles a leaf and blends in with debris very well. The spines deliver a painful sting.

  • First aid: Wash the area with soap and fresh water. Remove foreign material and control any bleeding. Soak the limb in hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek immediate medical treatment
Scorpion Leaf fish

Scorpion Leaf fish © Shawn Miller

The cockatoo wasp fish is a venomous fish found in shallow water. It resembles a leaf and blends in with debris very well. The spines deliver a painful sting.

  • First aid: Wash the area with soap and fresh water. Remove foreign material and control any bleeding. Soak the limb in hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek immediate medical treatment.
 Cockatoo waspfish (Ablabys taenianotus)

Cockatoo waspfish (Ablabys taenianotus) © Shawn Miller

The fire urchin is the most beautiful sea urchin found in Okinawa. Its beautiful colors attract divers to pick it up. The spines inject venom, which causes extreme pain and discomfort.

  • First aid: Remove visible spines. Wash with soap and water. Pain control if needed-hot water  (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek medical treatment if spines have entered the joints.
Fire urchin (Asthenosoma ijimai)

Fire urchin (Asthenosoma ijimai) © Shawn Miller

 

Porcupine sea urchin (Platybrissus roemeri)

Porcupine fire sea urchin (Platybrissus roemeri) © Shawn Miller

The flower urchin is the most venomous sea urchin found in the world. It is a collector urchin, often using rocks or dead coral to cover itself.

  • First aid: Remove foreign matter. Wash with soap and water. Pain control if needed-hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek medical treatment
Flower urchin (Toxopneustes pileolus)

Flower urchin (Toxopneustes pileolus) © Shawn Miller

The pedicellariae inject venom, not the spines. It’s excruciating and irritating.

Flower urchin

Flower urchin (Toxopneustes pileolus) © Shawn Miller

” Ball of spines”  The burrowing urchin is an abundant echinoderm found here. Most injuries occur reef walking without proper foot protection. The sharp spines are painful and irritate the skin.

Burrowing sea urchin (Echinometra mathaei)

Burrowing sea urchin (Echinometra mathaei) © Shawn Miller

The bristle worm is also known as the fireworm. It delivers a powerful sting when threatened. The bristle-like spines inject venom, which causes extreme pain and discomfort.

  • First aid: Remove bristles using tape. Wash with soap and fresh water. Seek medical treatment if needed. Monitor signs of infection
Bristle worm (Chloeis sp)

Bristle worm (Chloeis sp) © Shawn Miller

 

Common fire-worm (Eurythoe complanata)

Common fire-worm (Eurythoe complanata) © Shawn Miller

The eel tail catfish is a venomous saltwater fish found in shallow water. They usually travel in large numbers at night. The spines deliver a painful sting.

  • First aid: Wash the area with soap and fresh water. Remove foreign material and control any bleeding. Soak the limb in hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek immediate medical treatment.
Eeltail catfis  (Plotosus japonicus )

Eeltail catfish (Plotosus japonicus ) © Shawn Miller

Sea anemones deliver a painful sting with venomous tentacles.  Below is a photograph of the vicious predator Dofleinia armata. I had these anemones in my aquarium for three years.  I have seen them feeding on lionfish, scorpion fish, and venomous cone snails.

  • First aid: Rinse with vinegar. Remove tentacles with tweezers—Wash the area with salt water.  Pain control if needed-hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek medical treatment if infection occurs.
Sea anenome (Dofleinia armata)

Sea anenome (Dofleinia armata) © Shawn Miller

 

Branching anemone

Branching anemone – Motobu, Okinawa © Shawn Miller

Branching anemones are found living in the sand. They deliver a nasty sting! I have personally experienced its painful sting.

Branching Anemone

Branching Anemone © Shawn Miller

The false stonefish ( Scorpaenopsis diabolus) is another master of camouflage. The spines deliver a painful sting with potent venom injected into the body. These fish usually warn you of their presence by flaring out their fins and spines.

  • First aid: Wash the area with soap and fresh water. Remove foreign material and control any bleeding. Soak the limb in hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek immediate medical treatment.
False stone fish

False stonefish © Shawn Miller

Stingrays are found in sandy areas near coral reefs. They have a serrated barb located at the base of the tail.  Keep your distance to avoid any injuries!

  • First aid: Wash the area with soap and fresh water. Control the bleeding. If the barb is lodged in the body, do not remove it. Soak the limb in hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek immediate medical treatment! May require surgery to remove the barb.
Bluespotted stingray (Neotrygon kuhlii)

Bluespotted stingray (Neotrygon kuhlii) © Shawn Miller

Spiny Devilfish ( Inimicus didactylus ) is a shallow water sand dweller. The spines deliver a painful sting with potent venom injected into the body. These fish usually warn you of their presence by flaring out their fins and spines.

  • First aid: Wash the area with soap and fresh water. Remove foreign material and control any bleeding. Soak the limb in hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek immediate medical treatment.
Spiny Devilfish

Spiny Devilfish © Shawn Miller

The titan triggerfish is the most aggressive fish I have encountered. It is territorial and will guard its nest aggressively. Attacks can be severe, leaving wounds requiring stitches.  On several occasions, I pointed a dive light in their direction, and it scared them off. They do not like the directional light for some reason.

  • First aid: Control the bleeding and seek medical treatment. Monitor for signs of infection
Balistoides viridescens, Titan triggerfish

Balistoides viridescens, Titan triggerfish © Shawn Miller

 

The bite of a titan trigger fish

Titan trigger fish bite – Photo by Daisuke Uruchida

The black-spot triggerfish have threatened me on many occasions. It is smaller than the titan triggerfish but more aggressive. They usually will bite at the fins first.

Blackspot triggerfish

Blackspot triggerfish © Shawn Miller

Barnacles do not bite, but they sure are sharp! These barnacles have cut me on a few occasions. The tides can drop significantly, leaving rocks and barnacles exposed. Injury can be avoided by simply wearing exposure protection.

  • First aid: Wash the area with soap and fresh water. Remove foreign material and control any bleeding. Monitor for signs of infection.
Barnacles © Shawn Miller

Barnacles © Shawn Miller

The needlefish is a very dangerous fish found in shallow water. They have narrow beaks with razor-sharp teeth used to catch prey. These needle-shaped fish can swim fast and jump out of the water.  There have been cases of swimmers getting injured from impalement.  Avoid shining your dive light on the surface of the water (where the water surface and air meet) during the night for an extended period.

  • First aid: Control the bleeding; if the fish is lodged in the body, leave it and seek medical treatment. Monitor for signs of infection
Needle-fish

Needle-fish © Shawn Miller

 

Needle-fish- Sharp teeth

Needle-fish- Sharp teeth © Shawn Miller

The coral rabbitfish is a sought-after fish in Okinawa. Fishermen and free divers often get injured handling this venomous fish. The spines deliver a painful sting.

  • First aid: Wash the area with soap and fresh water. Remove foreign material and control any bleeding. Soak the limb in hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek immediate medical treatment.
     Coral Rabbitfish spines © Shawn Mille

Coral Rabbitfish spines © Shawn Mille

 

Coral Rabbitfish (Siganus corallines)

Coral Rabbitfish (Siganus corallines) © Shawn Miller

Another popular fish with the Okinawan fisherman is the Surgeonfish. The Orange spine unicorn has a razor-sharp fin used for defense. Avoid handling this fish by the tail.

Dangerous surgeon fish

Dangerous surgeonfish © Shawn Miller

The Box Jellyfish is the most dangerous jellyfish found in the ocean. It delivers an unbearable sting with its venomous tentacles. These stings require immediate treatment and can be life-threatening.

  • First aid: Rinse with vinegar. Remove tentacles with tweezers—Wash the area with salt water. Pain control if needed-hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek medical treatment immediately.
Box Jellyfish -Habukurage

Box Jellyfish -Habukurage © Shawn Miller

 

Box Jellyfish ( Chironex yamaguchii ) under blue light

Box Jellyfish ( Chironex yamaguchii ) under blue light © Shawn Miller

The man of war ( AKA Blue bottle jellyfish) is commonly seen during winter. I often find them washed ashore on local beaches.  The tentacles deliver a painful sting.  

  • First aid: Remove tentacles with tweezers—Wash the area with salt water. Pain control if needed-hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. If symptoms get worse, Seek medical treatment.

Blue bottle

 

Mission

To Document and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands

This site is also designed to help people identify the beautiful animals of Okinawa, basically to serve as an online nature reference guide. Please click on the donation link below if you would like to contribute to support my mission.

Your donations will help worldwide conservation initiatives and bring solutions to the pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines.  Thank you for your support. Shawn M Miller.