by L.S. Watts

Created on: July 14, 2009   Last Updated: July 15, 2009

There many poisonous creatures lurking in the world's oceans today. Some only cause discomfort and minor health problems but others cause major complications and eventually death. Many of these creatures don't have antivenin developed to cure victims injected with their poisons. Also, the most poisonous creatures have the best disguises and hiding places. Many times you won't see them or know you have been bitten until it is too late.

Fire Urchin

Located in the shallow waters of tropic reefs off the islands of the Indo Pacific, Southeast Asia and the northern coast of Australia, the fire urchin packs one heck of a punch. It is known for its fire red color and stinging spikes, however this sea urchin also has the ability to bite.

Each spike has sacs containing enough lethal venom to cause paralysis and death within minutes. When the spikes are touched the sacs rupture, injecting venom into the victim. Along with the spike, the fire urchin has jaws among the normal spikes. These jaws will latch on to the victim injecting even more potent poison into the system of its unsuspecting prey.

The venom attacks the nervous system leaving the victim in agonizing pain as it shuts down with paralysis. There is no known antivenin and it has been known to kill humans.

Box Jellyfish

This poisonous creature has claimed more than eighty human lives in the last one hundred years. Although there are over 30,000 species of jellyfish, the box jellyfish is the most toxic and unique from the rest. This is the only species of jellyfish that has twenty-four eyes in groups of six at each of the four corner located at the top of the bell. In each of the four sets, it has two eyes that are human like enabling it to hunt and stalk its prey. Generally, it drifts through the water but is able to make quick 180 degree turns and jet off toward its victim.

The largest box jellyfish is often called a sea wasp. It has sixty tentacles measuring up to fifteen feet long creating a poisonous web for anything crossing its path. Once the tentacles of touched the flesh of its victim, millions of microscopic needles inject its lethal poison into the system. In a matter of minutes, the venom will stop the lungs from breathing and eventually cause the heart to stop.

It is located in many tropical and subtropical waters and found close to shore where many people like to swim. It will attack without warning and the pain from the venom is excruciating.

Blue Ringed Octopus

For such a small creature,

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>