The Ocean
The ocean is both beautiful and mysterious. Many people go to the ocean to lie on the sandy beaches and to go for a swim. While many of the creatures that live in the ocean are harmless, some are more dangerous than you could ever imagine. After this, you might want to start swimming only in pools. Here are the 10 most dangerous sea creatures that live in the same waters that you swim in.
Chironex aka Box Jellyfish
If you have ever been stung by a jellyfish, you know how painful it can be. It can take hours for the pain to go away unless you have an ammonia-based liquid to pour on the sting. This is why some people believe that if you pee on a person who has been stung by a jellyfish, the pain will subside. The box jellyfish is like no other jellyfish in the sea. Sure, they don’t have sharp teeth or a venomous bite, but they are still incredibly dangerous. This jellyfish has been nicknamed the sea wasp and is responsible for more human deaths in Australia than sharks, saltwater Australia, and snakes put together. If you happened to be swimming in the ocean in Australia and you see a box jellyfish, get out of the water immediately.
Blue-Ringed Octopus
At first glance, the blue-ringed octopus looks relatively harmless. These creatures grow to be no larger than 8-inches long and typically feed on small crab and shrimp. It seems harmless enough, right? If you think that these creatures are harmless, you are wrong. They have enough venom in their systems to kill around 30 humans in a very short period of time. Their venom is 10,000 times more potent than cyanide, which makes them extremely dangerous. If a blue-ringed octopus bites you, you have very little time to get help before the venom paralyzed you, and kills you. This is one octopus that you don’t want to come into contact with.
Crocodiles
Of all the dangerous sea creatures on this list, the crocodile is the most obvious. Everyone knows that crocodiles are incredibly volatile and extremely deadly. They tend to live in saltwater habitats, and they consider just about any living thing a meal. Crocodiles will eat just about anything in their path, and they are capable of swallowing a grown person whole. These creatures can often strike before their prey has a chance to react. Every year, hundreds of people in Southeast Asia and Africa are killed by crocodiles. If you see a sign warning you of crocodiles, stay out of the water. If you go in, you may never come back out.
Sea Snakes
When most people hear the word snake, it makes them think of danger immediately. Land snakes like rattlers are highly venomous and deadly. Sea snakes are just as dangerous. Sea snakes are often found in the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean. They can grow to between four and five feet; however, there are some species that can grow to be 10-feet long. Sea snakes don’t tend to be aggressive toward humans, but when they feel threatened, they will strike. Their venom is deadly, and if you are bitten by one of these snakes, there is a good chance that you will die within minutes.
Although they don’t often attack humans, the sea snake has earned its place on this list due to the toxicity of its venom. If you are swimming in the Indian Ocean or the Pacific Ocean and you see a snake, you should get away fast, just to be on the safe side.
Stonefish
The stonefish is extremely dangerous for a few reasons. First, this fish is venomous, like many of the creatures on this list. Its venom is capable of killing a human in a very short time. The second reason that the stonefish is so dangerous is that it is capable of camouflage itself. Upon first glance, these sea creatures look like a rock under the water. It often places itself between the rocks, so that you cannot tell the difference. It isn’t until you actually step on it that you realize that it isn’t an ordinary rock. The third reason that this sea creature is so dangerous is its dorsal fins. The fins are so sharp that they can pierce right through your shoes. Because of this, there is no way to protect yourself when walking in the water.
Fire Coral
Coral is beautiful. It is brightly colored, and the patterns are absolutely amazing. While most coral is harmless, not all coral is harmless. Fire coral is closely related to the jellyfish. Unlike typical coral, fire coral has invisible tentacles, which can inflict a powerful sting. Best case scenario, you would experience mild irritation, nausea, and vomiting. Worst-case scenario, you can experience extreme pain for several hours. Divers know all about fire coral, which is why they wear gloves to protect themselves from her dangerous sea creatures. Fire coral is often found in coral reefs, trying to blend in with typical coral. If you are diving, make sure you don’t touch any coral unprotected.
Great White Shark
If you have ever seen any of the Jaws movies, or any movie about shark attacks for that matter, you know exactly how dangerous a Great White shark can be. These sharks are extremely dangerous predators, who feed mostly on seals. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for the Great White shark to mistake swimmers and surfers for seals. If a Great White is very hungry and searching for food, human flesh will do. Although they aren’t smart enough to track a family across the ocean trying to get revenge in Jaws did, they are still capable of taking a human life with just one bite.
If you are swimming in the ocean and you see a fin pop up, get out of the water as quickly as possible. Also, thrash as little as possible. The Great White shark is attracted to sound and vibration, so thrashing will only draw the shark closer.
Lionfish
The lionfish is typically found in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean. These fish are absolutely beautiful, and one of the most beautiful fish in the ocean. They are also very dangerous. This fish is a member of the Scorpionfish family and stings its prey. Fortunately, if you get stung by this beautiful fish, you aren’t going to die. However, if the lionfish does attack, the sting is incredibly painful, and the powerful venom can cause the pain to last longer. It can also cause nausea and vomiting. As much as you may want to get up close and personal with this fish, you may not want to. If you see a lionfish in the ocean and want to get a closer look, just don’t get too close. A sting from this fish will completely ruin your day.
Stingrays
Most stingrays are passive sea creatures. If you don’t bother them. They won’t bother you. However, people have been stung by stingrays, and some have even been fatal. Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, died at the age of 44 after being stung by a stingray. He was filming a documentary in 2006 when the incident occurred. According to those on the scene, he died quickly. It has been reported that his last words were, “I’m dying.” Nobody really knows what caused that stingray to attack, but most only attack when they are stepped on by divers and swimmers. If you are stung by a stingray and live to tell the tale, it is going to be a very painful experience.
Tiger Shark
The tiger shark is a very mean, very aggressive fish. These sharks tend to be smaller than a Great White, but just as vicious. These sharks can grow to be up to 16-feet long and tend to attack unprovoked. Bethany Hamilton, a teenage surfer from Hawaii, was resting on her surfboard with her arm hanging over the side when a 14-foot tiger shark clamped down on her arm, severing the whole thing from her shoulder.
Fortunately, she survived and learned to adapt to life with one arm. She even got back in the water and started surfing again. Hollywood was so touched and impressed by her story, that they made a movie about the shark attack and her journey to get her life back after. Her story is proof that these fish will attack unprovoked. They also feed on seals, crustaceans, fish, turtles, birds, squids, and even dolphins. Tiger sharks may not have the scary reputation that the Great White shark has, but it is just as dangerous. The tiger sharks are solitary creatures who hunt alone. They are also said to be nocturnal hunters, but you should be careful during the day because tiger sharks have been spotted in waters all around the world during the day and at night.
