Wilderness: Clupeotoxin Poisoning

Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis) Slideshow

• Clupeotoxin Poisoning Overview
• Clupeotoxin Poisoning Symptoms
• Clupeotoxin Poisoning Treatment
• When to Seek Medical Care
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Clupeotoxin Poisoning Overview

Clupeotoxin poisoning occurs in humans who eat fish contaminated with the toxin. This toxin (poison) occurs in plankton-eating fish, such as herring, anchovies, bonefish, slickheads, tarpons, and sardines. These fish are found in African, Caribbean, and Indo-Pacific coastal waters. Clupeotoxin is more commonly found in fish caught in the summer. The toxin is concentrated in fish organs and is tasteless and odorless. The identity of the toxin is unknown. Toxicity does not depend on fish freshness or size. The poison does not break down when the fish is cooked.