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5 Marine Creatures More Dangerous Than Sharks

5 Marine Creatures More Dangerous Than Sharks

Written by Leisure Pro Staff
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Published on November 5, 2014

When SCUBA diving, snorkeling, surfing, or simply taking a dip in the ocean, people often worry about what might be in the water with them. Sharks are perhaps the most common fear. However, there are several marine creatures more dangerous than sharks. Let’s take a look at just five species you should definitely be aware of.

Lionfish

Lionfish are some of the most interesting and beautiful fish in the ocean. Their striped coloring and long, trailing spines are striking to look at.  However, those spines are incredibly venomous. Although they tend to be docile, they are armed with very sharp, venomous spines, and if you manage to skewer yourself with one or more of these spines, the venom can cause nausea, headache, fever, dizziness, difficulty breathing, numbness, or even paralysis of the limbs. In the case of severe stings, victims can experience heart failure.

Box Jelly

Box jellies are another example of marine creatures more dangerous than sharks. These small jellies are considered one of the biggest threats to humans in the ocean. Depending on the specific species, the sting from a box jelly can cause anything from an itching or burning sensation to extreme pain, cardiac arrest, and eventually death. Box jellies are considered especially dangerous because they are difficult to spot in the water, and therefore nearly impossible to avoid.

Stonefish

The stonefish is another inconspicuous yet very dangerous marine creature. Stonefish get their name from the way they can mimic rocks, which serves both as a defense mechanism and a clever hunting technique. These fish rarely attack, but are often stepped on, even in shallow water or on beaches. Once stepped on, the spines on the stonefish’s back release venom. This venom can cause excruciating pain, vomiting, difficulty breathing, seizures, paralysis, and even death.

Blue-Ringed Octopus

The blue-ringed octopus is another pretty but deadly marine creature. This octopus, which may only be a few inches in length, can deliver a nearly painless but very deadly bite. While biting, the octopus releases venom that can cause paralysis, blindness, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and death. There is no anti-venom for this diminutive killer.

Barracuda

Barracuda are not the most deadly marine fish, but they do occasionally bite people. Bites generally occur when barracuda mistake swimmers for food. Barracuda bites can be very painful and are often jagged or deep, generally requiring immediate medical attention and stitches.

Leisure Pro Staff

Leisure Pro Staff

Marketing Director for LeisurePro