Gerry - hmm not sure - the spines have no meat so if they puncture your skin I am sure it will HURT and according to Wikepedia - when alive venom can cause systemic effects such as vomiting, fever and sweating and has been lethal in a few cases. But properly cleaned they are not harmful - the fish I bought had no spines.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pterois


Bill/Donna - a pleasure and continued LOVE in 2012!!!!!