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Marine Biotoxins:
Hallucinogenic Reef Fish Poisoning What is hallucinogenic reef fish poisoning? Hallucinogenic reef fish poisoning occurs when people eat certain types of reef fish containing the toxin. This toxin is unknown chemically and its origin remains undetermined.
What are
the symptoms of hallucinogenic reef fish poisoning? Symptoms are limited to severe nightmares and hallucinations.
Is hallucinogenic reef fish poisoning a problem in Hawaii? Yes, but cases are very rare. A 5-year summary of cases reported to the Hawaii Department of Health between 1998 and 2002 indicates an average of 2 cases (illnesses) per year for a resident population of roughly 1.2 million people. The risk is less than 1 case (0.33 cases) per 100,000 people per year. This rate estimate is for the general population and the people at greatest risk are consumers of reef fish, especially the species implicated in cases of hallucinogenic fish poisoning.
What fish cause hallucinogenic reef fish poisoning in Hawaii? A type of goatfish known as the nightmare weke (Upeneus arge), other types of weke (Mulloidichthyes spp) and the striped mullet (Mugil cephalus) have been implicated in cases of hallucinogenic fish poisoning.
How can fish containing high levels of hallucinogenic reef fish toxin be detected? No testing methods exist. The nightmare weke is easily identified by the sharp black and white striped color pattern of the tail fin. These fish should be avoided. Mullet and weke, however are food fish in Hawaii.
How can hallucinogenic reef fish poisoning be prevented?
William Walsh / DAR/DLNR
Prevention relies on consumer and industry education and species avoidance. Nightmare weke should not be eaten. For mullet and other species of weke, local knowledge and avoidance of reef areas that have caused hallucinogenic fish poisoning are the primary means of prevention.