When looking for the best dive destination, we tend to plunge into the deepest parts of the ocean in search of beautiful life forms to capture in photographs. We are fascinated by the majestic creatures living at the bottom of the sea, but little do we know that some of these seemingly harmless critters can actually be a threat to our health.
Don’t get fooled by looks. To ensure our safety while frolicking underwater, here are some aquatic critters we should watch out for the next time we go on a diving trip.
Flower Urchins
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| (Photo by François Michonneau) |
The flower urchin is described as the “most dangerous sea urchin” in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records. This is proven by the number of deaths they caused over the years. What makes flower urchins deadly is its venom containing at least two toxins: Contractin A and peditoxin. Be careful not to get stung by the urchin’s flower-like structure called pedicellariae or you’ll suffer from spasm of the smooth muscles, convulsion, anaphylactic-type shock, and worst, death.
Textile Cone Snail
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| (Photo by Richard Ling) |
With its elongated barbed tooth, the textile cone snails uses this as a harpoon to prey on its target. But what makes them more dangerous is the powerful venom the tooth secretes to finish off their prey. Deaths from cone snails are rare, but the venom is too strong it can kill 20 men at once. Human who get stung may also experience vomiting, swelling, pain, paralysis, and respiratory failure.
Lionfish
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| (Photo by Alexander Vasenin) |
This Indo-Pacific native may be a favorite for pet-lovers, however, extra care is needed when dealing with a lionfish when you’re looking for the best dive destination in the world. With 18 venomous dorsal fins, getting stung will make you nauseous and suffer in extreme pain. Victims of this predator may also experience convulsions, sweating, difficulties in breathing, and although rarely fatal, its venom may cause heart failure for divers.
Needlefish
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| (Photo by Christian Grill) |
Unlike the previous marine creatures, venom doesn’t make needlefish dangerous; it’s their shape that makes them a threat at sea. Its sharp, elongated jaws are to watch out for. They can launch themselves at 37 miles per hour, so when you see one, stay away from its course. Needlefish can hurl themselves like a dagger, and you know what will happen when it pierces you. Several deaths have occurred after being pierced by this sea critter, especially at nights when the light can attract them.
Blue Ringed Octopus
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| (Photo by Sylke Rohrlach) |
Box Jellyfish
Dubbed as “the most lethal jellyfish in the world,” the box jellyfish aka sea wasps are probably the most dangerous marine critter to watch out for. In Australia alone, these cube-shaped creatures have already caused 60 deaths while death tolls in other regions may probably be higher. It is believed that their powerful venom can kill around 60 men, with deaths occurring in less than five minutes after being stung. Be cautious when swimming in warm waters where this particular species thrive.
Basic diving safety rule: watch out for dangerous sea creatures. The best dive destination is where you can freely and safely dive, and where you can return to the surface unharmed. Always observe precautionary measures when diving and don’t get the critters above get you.
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