Australia is a country that makes us want to travel... or not. Its land wildlife is well known, including kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, and koalas, but its marine animals much less so. However, these are among the most venomous in the world, and after discovering the 9 mostly deadly species in this article, you'll think twice before swimming there!
#1 Lionfish
With its venomous spines, the lionfish is not to be taken lightly, despite its almost comical appearance. This fish, which lives in coral reefs, raises its poisonous "antennae" when curious swimmers approach, and rather than flee, it prefers to attack. It lives near the surface, between the surface and 50 meters deep, so it is not uncommon to come across one.
#2 The red lionfish
Unlike the lionfish, its red cousin is endemic to eastern Australia. Otherwise, the red lionfish is similar to its relatives, with which it shares camouflage and venom. Its thorns, present on its fins, cause deep wounds and burning pain to their victims. Its neurotoxins cause fainting and/or paralysis but do not kill humans.
#3 The cone
It looks like a harmless shell, but don't be fooled, this cone is equipped with a venomous tooth, and if you handle it, you risk being stung by this small animal of about twelve centimeters. Its venom causes paralysis, or even death, of the victim. However, if you don't approach or touch it, the cone poses no danger.
#4The Box Jellyfish
Jellyfish are not marine animals that we like to encounter while swimming, being stinging, but the Chironex fleckeri is an even worse tropical species, whose venom is deadly: a man can succumb to it in just a few minutes. Since the end of the 19th century, around sixty deaths linked to the venomous tentacles of this animal have been recorded. It approaches the coasts, where it finds its food (crustaceans), and can therefore easily come into contact with swimmers or surfers. Transparent, it is hard to spot in the sea... With summer approaching, don't hesitate to check out our article on how to react in case of a sting.
#5The stonefish
This fish, the most venomous in the world, has a most treacherous disguise: it is almost impossible to spot on the seabed, whose colors and uneven texture it imitates. The Synanceia verrucosa is a master of camouflage responsible for several dozen poisonings per year, including a relatively low percentage of deaths. The 13 spines positioned on its dorsal fin deliver a neurotoxin causing muscle weakness, paralysis, and shock in the victim.
#6 The Shorttail Ray
Fortunately for swimmers, the shorttail ray generally swims in the depths, up to 200 meters deep. Like the scorpion, this animal attacks its prey with its stinger, located in the middle of its tail, which it launches at full speed to plant it in the flesh of its victim. Not only does the stinger sometimes create a deep wound, but the venom is also dangerous (though rarely fatal).
#7 The Blue-ringed Octopus
Beware of this pretty little octopus, about twenty centimeters long, and its bright, almost fluorescent blue circles: its venom is capable of causing the death of several adults. It likes to hide in rocks, in shallow waters, where swimmers may cross its path. Fortunately, it is a shy animal, which, if not handled or caught, will flee. Otherwise, its poison paralyzes the victim.
#8 The Pufferfish
You saw it in the second part of our photos of sea creatures: the puffer fish, with its scientific name Tetractenosglaber, is endemic to Australia. Its flesh and organs contain tetrodotoxin, one of the most potent toxins found in marine animals. Its paralyzing effects can lead to the death of a human being if they consume it, which happens about a hundred times a year, due to the ignorance of the dangers of the puffer fish.
#9The yellow and black sea snake
This snake measures just over a meter long, and is very easily recognizable due to its black and yellow colors. It lives in the open sea, and therefore rarely attacks humans, unless it finds itself near the coast due to storms. And so much the better, because its bite causes muscle pain, drowsiness and nausea, or even death by paralysis in the worst cases.
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