Stingray Barbs - What Makes Them So Dangerous

When making stingray-resistant booties like Dragon Skin ® Achilles Heels, one of the things you run into are stingray barbs – and lots of them. We’ve tested our booties with real stingray barbs and learned from experts on what makes a stingray’s barb so dangerous. Between venom and serrated edges, a stingray barb is meant to scare away predators but, inevitably, sometimes humans are on the receiving end of a sting.

Stingray barbs have serrated edges leading up to a pointed tip, like an arrowhead. You can see how the serrated edges also have a backwards curve to them, like a fishing hook. This makes the stingray barb more likely to be stuck in the skin upon entry, and cause additional tissue damage when the barb is removed. These small serrations can also break off inside the wound, increasing the risk of infection. If you’re ever stung by a stingray, making sure there are no pieces of the barb or stingray tissue left in the wound should be a top priority. If any pieces are left behind, you should go see a doctor to help you remove them. The fragments can be very small and hard to detect, so if you have any reason for doubt, we strongly recommend seeing a doctor — an x-ray or further treatment may be required.

A stingray's barb is encased in a thin skin pouch and sits flush against the stingrays’ tail, typically near the base. This pouch contains the stingray venom.

When a stingray strikes, it flexes its tail, causing the barb to stick up and into the perceived threat. This also breaks the pouch around the barb, releasing it's venom into the unlucky victim.

The barb also has grooves, which help channel the venom into the stingray's target. Once it gets through the skin, this venom typically causes an excruciating, long-lasting pain. It may seem dramatic, but this is frequently described as "the worst pain I've ever felt" or frequently compared to kidney stones or appendicitis. The first line of treatment is usually to soak the wound in hot water, as hot as the victim can handle. This usually reduces the pain significantly. Strangely, we still don't fully know why this works. In any case, the lifeguards typically have buckets or bags on hand for treatment, and can help get your wound into hot water quickly. 

Stingrays aren’t out to get humans. They sting in self-defense when we accidentally step on them, kick them, or otherwise startle them in their own home. Practicing safe beach habits is key to minimizing your chances of getting stung.