Some fishes are poisonous or otherwise dangerous. In certain species, the fin spines are capable of producing puncture wounds into which toxins can be injected. The spines found on the head and body of some fishes are so sharp that simply touching them may result in a wound. In other fishes, the skin may be toxic or the flesh or roe poisonous when eaten. Eating certain tropical fishes may result in ciguatera poisoning, a type of poisoning caused by toxic algae eaten by fishes. Many sharks are potentially dangerous if provoked, as are some other large fishes. These large fishes are not the only ones that may bite; even a salmon can inflict a painful wound if care is not taken when removing it from a hook. All species that are known to be poisonous or otherwise dangerous to people are indicated under the warning section of each listed species on this website.
