When collecting shells on coral reefs in the tropics you also have to think
about the marine equivalent of rattle snakes. These are stone fish. Many of
these are camouflaged to look just like dead coral. I have learned to fan
"dead" coral before I touch it. Quite a number of times the "dead" coral
moved when I did that. For those of you that are not familiar with them,
stone fish are usually small (<4") and have venomous spines in their dorsal
and pectoral fins. A sting from them is nasty at best and can be fatal to
some people. Remember to look before you grab a piece of coral.

Some people worry about sea snakes. Yes they are rather venomous (10X a
cobra by some reports), but they dot not bother people. The biggest problem
is that sometimes one will follow you around and stick its head under rocks
as you turn them. It can be a bit disconcerting at first, but when you
realize that they are just looking for food and are basically curious you
get used to it. Remember not to stick your fingers in their mouth. That is
just about the only way you can get bitten while diving.

Regards

Terry
Terry S. Arnold 2975 B Street San Diego, CA 92102 USA
[log in to unmask] (619) 235-8181 (voice) (619) 235-0016 (fax)