Most Dangerous Ocean Creatures
What could be Lurking through the oceans and hunting for dinner, sharks come to mind. fearsome creatures, we immediately classify as dangerous, regardless of the species of sharks. We hear about how dangerous their attacks can be, but what if I told you that there are sea creatures more terrifying than sharks? Our oceans are home to creatures far scarier than the infamous sharp-toothed animals that have inspired movies with their capabilities of frightening people. And the ocean’s deadliest creatures can be found all over the world. So let’s get into our scuba gear and dive right into the vast unknown world of the oceans to take a look at the most dangerous sea creatures in the world.
10 Sponge
When you hear the word “sponge”, you probably think of the soft things you use to clean dishes. These are definitely sponges. But sponges in the ocean should try to be avoided. They certainly are not soft and squishy. You can squeeze a kitchen sponge; I wouldn’t necessarily try that with an ocean sponge. Sponges living in the ocean contain toxins in their spines that can cause skin irritation. Your skin may experience redness, itching, discomfort, and burning. These symptoms may increase in severity over 24 hours following the sting from the spines. Plus, your skin won’t be totally back to normal for a week. Stick to harmless kitchen sponges, and leave the ocean sponges be.
9 Killer Whale
I’m sure you’ve heard of the big, bad Great White Shark. Its infamy for being a dangerous predator in the water is known far and wide. But what if I told you that Great White Sharks are afraid of animals too. It sounds funny. What would this massive shark that’s at the top of the food chain have to be afraid of? Well, they are scared of Killer Whales. Marine ecologists studying marine life around Southeast Farallon Island monitored Orcas, Great White Sharks, and Elephant Seals. The sharks would stick around the island to feed on one of their preferred prey, the seals. As soon as orcas came in the area, even just passing by, all of the sharks would leave. Most of the time they wouldn’t come back for an entire season, sometimes a year. When orcas came in, seal populations thrived. So, it seems the Great White Shark has met its match.
8 Stingray
If you want to meet a stingray, you’re in luck. It turns out there’s a place where you can feed and swim with the animals. In Stingray City near the Grand Cayman Islands, tourists can go and play with the friendly stingrays. Notice how I said friendly? These animals are generally friendly and easy-going but don’t make any mistakes. They are dangerous. They don’t outright attack humans, but their barb is a dangerous weapon. If you’re walking around, look where you’re stepping, if you accidentally step on a stingray, it will protect itself. Also, make sure not to spook any of these creatures. They could think you are trying to hurt them and in turn, use their barb in defense. It’s best to be watchful
7 Megalodon
What makes a good sea monster? Two things: a massive size and a ferocious personality. Megalodons where once the true kings of the ocean. The apex predators that have ever existed in the seas. People say megalodons are extinct. But what if they are not… some people claim to have recorded a megalodon swimming in the Mariana trench, the deepens part of the ocean located in the pacific near the Mariana Islands. While fisherman has spotted them too in other parts of the world. They claimed its sheer size must have made it the megalodon. A particular image captured was that of a Pacific sleeper shark that was half the size of the megalodon. Next time you travel to Florida, visit Venice beaches, that where the majority of shark teeth can be found, including megalodons. Their lengthy, five rows of teeth were razor-sharp, and their bite packed a force ten times greater than the great white shark. It’s understandable that these creatures were far more fearsome and intimidating than any shark around today. And megalodons were certainly hungry. They had to eat around one ton of food every day. It’s official; the megalodon would make a good sea monster.
6 Great Barracuda
You might be that person that loves to go spearfishing. Diving through the water and catching your very own fish, is not only more effective than line fishing most times; it is a thrilling experience. However, you may want to watch out the next time you go spearfishing. The giant barracuda is said to attack people that are spearfishing. They also attack individuals in areas of low visibility and areas near mangroves. Why would they ever want to attack you though? Well, it’s actually quite simple. The giant barracuda is attracted to shiny things. So that spear you’re fishing with attracts dangerous predators. And these giant barracudas have sharp teeth and can grow to the size of an adult human. A bite from one of these guys can rip through your tendons and send you to the afterlife.
5 Box Jellyfish
Off the coast of Japan, jellyfish, drifting through the water, their translucent bodies can be a beautiful sight to behold, but most swimmers avoid jellyfish even if these creatures are beautiful to look at. The box jellyfish is especially dangerous, and they are one type of jellyfish that doesn’t just drift through the water. They really move. Jellyfish use their tentacles to sting their prey so that the prey doesn’t damage their fragile bodies. But box jellyfish are known as the most venomous marine animal. Those that are stung are said to go into cardiac arrest from the pain and venom before they ever reach the shore. Pain like you can’t imagine, it’s best to avoid these jellyfish at all costs.
4 Saltwater Crocodile
If you thought sharks were the only animals you had to watch out for, think again. In Australia, there are saltwater crocodiles, the largest meanest crocodiles of all!. Scientists say that they are far worse than sharks. Shark attacks are generally accidental bites thinking that a human is a seal. Crocodiles though will eat just about anything. They wait for their prey to come to the water’s edge as they stay lurking just beneath the surface of the water. Once they get the perfect moment, their jaws grab on and drag the prey under the water until it drowns. They attack humans and livestock too. To keep them away, it’s important that you don’t clean fish near the surface of the water or keep food outside of your campsite. None of us want to encounter these saltwater crocs.
3 Blue-Ringed Octopus
In Asia, eating octopus is common delicacy. But even western communities will eat octopus. If you’ve tried it, then you know it can be delicious. There are some species of octopus you want to stay away from. The blue-ringed octopus is probably one you don’t want to eat though. The octopus swims in the Indo-Pacific waters, and if you happen to touch one of these brightly-colored beauties, you may be in for a rude awakening. Their bite is poisonous. However, even swimming in the water near one of these octopi can cause slight neurological symptoms. The tetrodotoxin is very poisonous and causes an array of neurological symptoms. From muscle weakness to difficulty breathing, you don’t want to get near one of these. There have even been reports of people getting paralyzed from the venom. While they couldn’t communicate or move, they were still conscious for the whole thing.
2 Lionfish
While underwater exploring, we all are drawn to beautiful, bright patterns, right? You wouldn’t be the only one. Many of us love watching the entrancing beautiful patterns in the coral reefs and on the fish. The lionfish is a sight to behold for those who love a good pattern. The striking black and white design might lure you in, but it’s best to look at the intricate patterns from behind the glass of an aquarium. The lionfish has spines that reportedly release a poison so painful you will wish you were unconscious. There is a silver lining though. The good news is that these fish do not go out of their way to attack. They only use their spines defensively for protection when they feel threatened. Native to the indo-pacific regions such as India, Australia and japan, the lion fish is a top predator. Unfortunately, it has become an invasive species in other parts of the world, creating havoc in the coral reefs of the Atlantic and Caribbean oceans, displacing the local fish like snappers and groupers. So, if you’re minding your business on your diving trip, you probably won’t encounter any issues with the lionfish. Just keep your eyes open and be alert.
1 Flower Urchin
Flowers can be a nice gesture and a heartfelt gift. We give flowers to our loved ones that are sick as an encouragement to hopefully feel better. We even use flowers to apologize. Well, some flowers are best left alone. The flower urchin isn’t a real flower. It’s an urchin that looks like a beautiful bouquet of underwater flowers. While stepping on sea urchins is never a pleasant experience, stepping on a flower urchin is even more so unpleasant. The flower look alike contains poisonous spines. If you accidentally step on one, their spines could send you into paralysis. Unless you want to experience pain and paralysis, let’s leave the flower urchins alone.
