Divers should be especially careful around these creatures since accidental bites when walking on a shallow reef or accidentally touching them while diving can be painful. Even fish that seem to enjoy being touched can have their protective layer removed by human hands, making them more susceptible to infections. Sea cucumber venom is toxic to humans and if the Cuvierian tubules come into contact with the eyes, it can result in permanent blindness. Holoturine is a strong poison that quickly weakens the enemy's muscles when released by sea cucumbers.
Although sea cucumbers may appear harmless, they will expel holoturine - a white, sticky substance - from their cuvierian organ when threatened. The popularity of visitors interacting with these lagoon animals has led us to add four more species of sea cucumbers to the touch pool. If you're planning a trip to the reef, avoid touching animals and ask for photos that include wildlife without touching them or rewarding animals for certain behaviours. A trip to the Great Barrier Reef should be an experience that captures all the senses: smell and taste the marine air, observe different varieties of fish and marine life and listen to the waves crashing against the side of the ship.
Fire coral, also known as spicy or red sea coral, belongs to the species order Milleporina but is not actually a coral at all. Some animals are covered in toxins that are extremely harmful to humans; for example, touching a starfish-shaped like a crown of thorns can introduce a toxin five times more potent than bee venom with serious consequences.
In conclusion, it's best not to touch any marine life while visiting the reef or while diving. Even if an animal appears harmless or even friendly towards humans, it's important to remember that they have their own defense mechanisms that can be dangerous if triggered.
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