Fire Coral
Fire corals are not corals, but hydrozoans that have tiny, nearly microscopic polyps that are embedded in a skeleton. If you accidentally come into contact with fire coral, it can shoot nematocysts, or stinging barbs and sting you. It does not necessarily kill but can leave the recipient in hours of pain. Although it can be quite painful, a sting from Fire coral is rarely dangerous unless accompanied by an allergic reaction or anaphylactic shock.
In fact, the most serious effects seen after extensive stings are possible nausea and vomiting for two to three hours afterwards. The sting caused by these animals is a result of the injection of a water-soluble, heat affected, proteinaceous toxin. The discharged nematocysts cause small welts on the skin with red lesions around the raised areas. Swelling, blisters, and pus-filled encystations may occur soon after being stung. However, all symptoms generally disappear after 24 hours.
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