Field Guide to Venomous and Medically Important Invertebrates ...

Toxic secretions of millipedes should be washed from the skin with copious amounts of alcohol
or soap and water. Topical corticosteroids and antibiotics should be applied if a skin reaction
develops. Eye injuries require immediate irrigation and application of corticosteroid eyedrops or
ointment.
Porifera
About a dozen species marine sponges distributed in eight different families are reported to have
toxic properties. The species with toxic properties are primarily distributed in the warm waters
of the Caribbean but others are known from the North Atlantic Ocean of North America and
Europe, the Pacific Ocean of California, Mexico, and Australia. However, other potentially
dangerous sponges may be located elsewhere. Reported responses associated with these sponges
involve an almost immediate skin irritation and contact dermatitis similar to that observed
following contact with poison ivy. Initial symptoms usually include redness at the contact area
followed by stiffness in the finger joints (if handled) and localized swelling. Blisters often
develop within a few hours. Diagnosis can be made by using a small part of the suspect sponge
on an unaffected body part, although such testing usually is unnecessary. Treatment of the
wounds with antiseptic lotions or dilute acetic acid (vinegar) will help ease the itching
and burning. Antibiotic ointments may be necessary for the blisters. Toxic responses are strictly
from accidental contact or handling of suspect sponges.
Figure 225. Fire sponge (Tedania ignis). Photo: Columbia University.
Coelenterates
The Phylum Cnidaria, or coelenterates, includes the jellyfish, corals and sea anemones, and
numbers over 9,000 species. They are among the most primitive of animals and they are