The aquatic life of the earth is nothing short of spectacular. In the waters of the Blue Planet, there are more than 30,000 different species of fish, ranging in size from the largest and most aggressive to the smallest and most lethal.
Of course, while the vast majority of the species on the planet are safe and would welcome the opportunity to swim alongside you, there are some hazardous ones – some of which are even cute-looking – that would do nothing but harm to you as soon as you come into contact with them.
If you want to make sure you’re secure and aware of your surroundings the next time you go swimming, these are the top five most deadly fish in the world to watch out for.
Electric Eel
The Electric Eel is a long and scaleless type of fish that is probably one of the most well-known in the world, thanks to the numerous appearances in films and television shows that include them. They can grow up to nine feet in length and weigh approximately 48.5 pounds when fully grown.
In its natural habitat, the Electric Eel is a lethargic species of fish that can usually be seen in slow-moving freshwater while seeking for prey. It may also be observed occasionally emerging from the water to get some fresh air. Because of the large number of blood arteries present in its mouth, this fish may use it for both ingesting its prey and breathing, acting as if it were a lung for them.
The tail is the part of the body that is responsible for the electric discharge. In this area, you may find the electric organs, which are muscular tissues that have been innervated by the fish’s spinal neurons and thus function as a kind of electric organ. A single charge of the Electric Eel may produce a current of between 300 and 650 volts, which is sufficient to cause you to feel shocked.
Holding an Electric Eel is not recommended – if you want to photograph it, you should put on your best fishing gloves that provide the necessary protection to handle such a fish, and keep it as far away from you as possible because they are known to struggle when they find themselves captured in a photograph.
Tiger Fish
This species of fish is typically found in Africa, specifically in Lake Tanganyika and the Congo River. The Tigerfish, as its name suggests, has razor-sharp fangs on both of its jaws, making it a highly effective predator, hunter, and fighter — just in case some other fish decide to have a brawl and choose the wrong person, we mean fish.
The Tiger Fish is already fairly enormous, but there is another type of Tigerfish known as the Goliath Tigerfish that is the largest of them. One of these Goliaths is estimated to weigh up to 154 pounds, and another is even bigger. That it is enormous on its own is due to the fact that just one Tiger Fish would be required to chase down its prey. They hunt and attack in packs, though, and their primary prey consists of huge animals.
You may be sure that its friends are very near by and waiting for the appropriate opportunity to catch and devour their prey if you happen to come across one of these creatures.
Moray Eel
The Moray Eel is significantly different from the conventional eel that most of you are familiar with – simply because the Electric Eel is the one that is most frequently presented and demonstrated. While this eel does not have the ability to electrocute you, it is equipped in a different fashion that can cause significant damage.
They have a thick layer of skin that is also exceedingly smooth and free of scales. The mouth, which is where all of the action takes place, is rather large and equipped with extremely strong, razor-sharp teeth. This means that the Moray Eel is capable of holding onto its prey after biting it, and it is also capable of causing some harm if your leg is the focus of its attack. When they are disturbed, they have been known to become rather ferocious.
Wearing only fishing shorts in seas known to be home to Moray Eels is certainly not a good idea – especially if you happen to come into contact with one of them by accident. Although most Moray Eels are around five feet in length, one species, Thyrsoidea macrurus, may grow up to 11.5 feet in length – making it easy to see one when diving underwater. Moray Eels are found in a variety of habitats, including freshwater and saltwater.
Stonefish
This venomous fish can be found in the tropical Indo-Pacific, usually in shallow waters, and it is a dangerous predator. In accordance with its name, this type of fish lives on the ocean floor among coral and rocks as well as muck to ensure that it is completely hidden from predators.
The Stonefish has a huge head and mouth, bumpy skin that is covered by bumps that look like warts, and small eyes, all of which distinguish it from other fish. Almost as still as a stone, these fish make little movement and do everything they can to fit into the environment in which they live.
The fact that they are so venomous makes them a danger to divers. Because of their appearance, Stonefish can be easily stomped on – and when this occurs, the Stonefish will inject venom into the victim through the grooves on its dorsal-fin spines, causing the victim to die.
Stepping on such a fish will result in excruciating discomfort – and, in the worst-case situation, could result in death. That’s why it’s preferable to place your foot on plain sand rather than on any rock that you might come across on the bottom of any shallow seas you would swim in to prevent injury.
Pufferfish
The Pufferfish is a small sea creature that is both adorable and adorable. Its capabilities – as well as the possibilities for utilizing them – are pretty intriguing, to say the least.
They are also referred to as blowfish or swellfish, and this is due to the fact that they have the unique capacity to inflate themselves for obvious reasons. They transition from their ordinary fish form to a globular form in this manner – but they still have much to show for their efforts. Their skin is prickly, and when the Pufferfish is inflated, the pricks stand out more more, ready to harm anyone who comes into contact with the Pufferfish.
A beak-shaped shape is formed when the teeth are fused together, giving the bird its name. The majority of the fish in this species are fairly little, however there have been reports of individuals that have grown to exceed three feet in length.
While the Puffer’s spiky bubble of a fish may not appear to be very hazardous on the surface, the true threat lies within. Their internal organs are dangerous, as they contain a venomous compound known as tetrodotoxin, which is toxic to humans. If swallowed, it has the potential to be fatal.
However, in Japan, where this species is referred to as fugu, it is considered a delicacy — but it must be prepared in a specific manner, and only chefs who have received government certification are permitted to make this fish. Chefs who wish to prepare fugu must also complete a number of tests before being permitted to operate in a restaurant. If the fugu is not prepared properly, it is extremely likely that the eater will die as a result of the consumption of the dish.