There are incredible creatures existing in the underwater world but some of them can be very dangerous. Some fish may look astonishing but may cause serious injuries because of venomous spines or sharp teeth; some are hard to even see as they blend in so well with the ocean floor; others are super fast and rather hard to escape. From the sting of a
stonefish
to the bite of a
barracuda
, each of these fish has its unique way of protecting itself. They show just how mysterious and unpredictable the ocean really is. Delve in and take a closer look at these unique and magnificent underwater creatures.
Stonefish
Stonefish are known to be one of the most dangerous species of fish. They have incredibly sharp spines on their backs that can release venom whenever they feel threatened, in situations, such as when you step on them. They have the special ability to blend in with the ocean floor, so one might not even see them most of the time. If one gets stung by them, it can cause terrible pain and even be life-threatening if not treated immediately and properly. They are often found in shallow waters. Their venom can cause severe swelling and damage to the skin.
Lionfish
Lionfish are remarkably beautiful fish with long and spiky fins that can sting you. While they’re not usually aggressive, their stings hurt immensely and can make you feel sick. These fish are originally from the Indo-Pacific but have spread to other areas like the Caribbean, where they’re also causing harm to local fish by eating them. Their venom can cause pain, swelling, and fever. They don’t have many predators in new areas, so their numbers are growing.
Tigerfish
Tigerfish are known to be immensely strong and fast, with sharp teeth that help them catch their prey. They live in rivers in Africa, especially in the Congo River. They don’t usually attack people, but if they’re triggered, their bite can hurt severely and can be potentially even life-threatening. They are some of the strongest freshwater fish. Their teeth can even cut fishing nets. Many fishers see tigerfish as a tough yet fun challenge to catch.
Candiru
Also known as the ‘Vampire fish,’ the candiru is a species of tiny fish found in the Amazon River. It has a unique quality for supposedly swimming up into people’s bodies, causing pain and infection. While this is rare, it’s still scary and potentially life-threatening. Normally, the candiru feeds on the blood of other fish by entering their gills. These fish are very small and hard to spot in water. Swimmers in the Amazon avoid urinating in water to stay safe. Rare infections caused by them can be serious.
Barracuda
Barracudas are known to be incredibly fast fish with sharp teeth. They don’t have venom, but they can be dangerous if they feel threatened or mistake you for food. While attacks on people are rare, their bite can cause serious injuries because they have strong jaws and sharp teeth. They are attracted to shiny objects that look like prey. Barracudas are also highly skilled hunters and chase smaller fish.
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