Yeah your rite dan c they do. Way it works is when they spike you there skin folds back to reveal a small grove which has a small venom gland.Got told by an old timer one time I got spiked to get there belly slime and rub it and I tell you what it works One last thing best way to hold them is to grab them firmly between the two fins on their sides I call it the non slip no flip flatty grip Liam