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6.4.2. Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP)
6.4.2. Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP)
- CFP is caused from the ingestion of variety of tropical and subtropical carnivorous reef fishes such as Barracuda, Groupers, Seabass, Snappers etc.
- There are over 300 fish species responsible for CFP.
- The herbivorous reef fishes feeding on toxic dinoflagellates (Gambierdiscus toxicus) are in turn fed by carnivorous fishes which accumulate toxins in their tissue.
- Toxin accumulation is more in liver followed by viscera and muscle tissue.
- Upon ingestion of toxin containing fishes, symptoms occur within 3-6 hours.
- Symptoms are similar to PSP with gastrointestinal disturbances and neurological disorders. These include vomiting, diarrhea, tingling and burning sensation in mouth, lips and throat, muscle cramping and weakness.
- Death generally occurs due to respiratory failure.
- Levels as low as 1ppb in fish can cause illness.
Last modified: Monday, 30 May 2011, 10:03 AM