The 14 Most Dangerous Animals In The Ocean That You Never Want To Encounter
Under the sea, darling it's better, down where it's wetter, take it from me - until you run into a dangerous animal in the ocean that you never want to encounter. Unfortunately for you, Ariel isn't going to be there to save the day when you're facing an attack. One of the scariest components of deadly underwater creatures comes from the fact that we usually can't see them. They prey on our deep fear of the unknown and darkness, and often attack before we even notice it's happening. Those chills are from more than the cold water.
However, there are a lot of misconceptions about what people view as the most dangerous ocean animals. Spoiler alert: It's not sharks or whales. There's one creature in particular that kills a whopping 1,000 people on average each year. So it's about time we let sharks off the hook - both literally and figuratively.Â
- 1147 VOTESPhoto: fvanrenterghem / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 2.0
Human Deaths Per Year: Around 1,000 deaths annually.
Why They’re So Dangerous: Crocs are pros at sneaking up on people, so its victims often get dragged under the water before they even realize it. Their 66 teeth (that can grow up to five inches long) are nothing to blush about and their bite is the strongest of any predator in recorded history.
The Aftermath: If you see a crocodile in the wild, run. Run in a straight line to avoid an attack, which is much rarer on land than in water. While it’s nearly impossible to fight off a submerged croc, it's vital to avoid getting dragged underwater. The most effective way to do so is to punch the palatal valve near the back of its mouth (yes, sticking your hand in its mouth is scary, but it’s your best shot at survival).
At the point of submersion, your chances of living are slim to none as crocodiles like to drown their victims before ripping them to shreds. One way of attempting to avoid drowning is rolling in the same direction as the croc and attempting to get away before your body gets snapped.
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- 2145 VOTESPhoto: Peter Southwood / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY 3.0
Human Deaths Per Year: It's estimated that box jellyfish kill around 100 people a year, but there's no concrete data on that specific number.
Why They’re So Dangerous: Not all box jellyfish have toxic poison, but about 50 different species of the creature are venomous. Out of those, only a few are potentially lethal to humans. The most toxic offenders typically live in the Indo-Pacific area and northern Australia. Their tentacles essentially have a stockpile of poisonous darts they can whip out at any moment. Between unusual speeds, stellar eyesight for jellyfish, and tentacles that can span ten feet long, these guys are a lot scarier than most sea creatures. In fact, Australian box jellyfish are notorious for being the most venomous creature in the sea.
The Aftermath: If you have the misfortune to swim into one of the lethal jellyfish, it might be lights out. Paralysis, cardiac arrest, and fatality can happen in just minutes after a sting. And no, peeing on the affected area doesn't actually help with any jellyfish sting. Like bees, jellyfish leave their stingers in the wound, and that old wives' tale can even cause more venom to leech out. Depending on the species, vinegar and hot water can help after you get the stingers out.
- 3125 VOTESPhoto: airforcefe / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY 2.0
Human Deaths Per Year: A handful have been recorded in total, not annually.
Why They’re So Dangerous: These ugly fish look exactly like coral or rock, so you better watch out. They’re also considered one of the most venomous fish in the sea. So, what does their venom do? It just causes horrible pain, heart problems, breathing issues, paralysis, and rarely death.
The Aftermath: If you’re stung by a stonefish, you need the antivenom stat. Otherwise, you might not survive. And if you do? You could have permanent damage. That being said, there aren’t that many fatalities from stonefish. Medical help is ideal, but experts recommend submerging the affected area in hot water for 20 minutes at 107.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 4119 VOTESPhoto: Sharkdiver.com / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
Human Deaths Per Year: Ten worldwide in 2023.
Why They’re So Dangerous: Sorry to burst your oxygen mask bubble, but sharks are one of the least dangerous predators in the sea when it comes to humans. Yet movies like Jaws and the few annual shark attacks have made people terrified of these guys. However, the main issue is typically surfers. The juvenile sharks responsible for most human attacks don't have the best vision, so when they see a huge fin in the water, they think to themselves, “Mmmm, my next meal.” They probably thought you were a seal or something similar.
After an attack, they're usually just as displeased about the situation as you are - unless they're rabid or starving (and whose fault is it that there's less and less fish in the sea?). They'll also attack if they feel threatened, so it's a good idea not to panic and start making a ruckus in the water because then you'll register as a threat (or a fun chase).
The Aftermath: Due to their size and massive teeth, a bite from a great white is potentially lethal due to the risk of bleeding out, but a shark usually gets one taste of human blood or flesh and nopes out. That's why shark attack survivors are typically just missing one limb. Sharks don't often go back for human seconds. If a shark attack victim can get out of the water quickly enough and get immediate care, the likelihood of survival is pretty high depending on where the bite is. In fact, only around 17% of shark attacks prove fatal.
So, what's the moral of the story? If you're surfing or swimming, it's a good idea to check if there have been any sightings in the area. If so, maybe avoid that spot. If you do see a shark, immediately ditch your board no matter how expensive it is. If you do that, there's a good chance the shark will go after that instead of you. Either way, stay calm and you may just make it out in one piece.
More Great white shark - 594 VOTESPhoto: Richard Ling / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 3.0
Human Deaths Per Year: Under 100 total in recorded history.
Why They’re So Dangerous: Be careful when you’re searching for shells in the depths of the ocean. Each of the 700 types of cone snails is venomous. Their harpoon-like teeth are responsible for venom injections that can be so toxic that even small contact can kill a human.
The Aftermath: Symptoms of a sting include numbness, pain, swelling, and difficulty breathing, talking, seeing, and hearing. Usually, fatalities are the result of the inability to breathe, and asking for help might be difficult if you can’t speak. Given the complexity of the venom, there isn’t an antivenom, so the best chance of helping someone survive is by keeping them breathing while their body fights off the venom.
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Blue Ringed Octopus
Photo: Rickard Zerpe / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY 2.0Human Deaths Per Year: There are at least three recorded deaths in total, not annually.
Why They’re So Dangerous: Their toxicity comes from the bacteria that reside in their salivary glands, which produce a fast-acting and potentially deadly toxin. The good news is that it typically stings as a defense, so if you don’t mess with them they’ll probably leave you alone.
The Aftermath: While the blue-ringed octopus doesn’t often cause death, most victims of this beautiful octopus tend to come pretty close. The scariest part of a sting stems from the nearly immediate paralysis. Not only are you awake and scared, but it hinders your ability to get help. The cause of death is usually the inability to breathe, so it’s quite dangerous if you’re alone. But if you’re with someone who gets stung, mouth-to-mouth is the best course of action. Just be aware that any creature with striking colors is probably venomous.
- 777 VOTESPhoto: Albert kok / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 3.0
Human Deaths Per Year: 39 deaths in total of all time.
Why They’re So Dangerous: Tiger sharks aren't particularly aggressive sharks. Still, their attack numbers are the second highest of all shark species, trailing behind great whites. Tiger sharks have incredibly strong jaws and a set of sharp teeth that make them formidable. They don't really care what they eat, making them a pretty intense predator.
The Aftermath: Given that tiger sharks aren't particularly interested in messing with humans, there aren't a whole lot of attacks to speak of. That being said, humans kill mass amounts of tiger sharks for food to the point that they're near threatened status on the endangered species list. To boot, because these guys will eat whatever they find, they often eat trash left behind by careless humans.
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Beaked Sea Snakes
Photo: Q Phia / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY 2.0Human Deaths Per Year: There isn't a conclusive number, but on average, only 3% of sea snake bites are fatal.
Why They’re So Dangerous: The venom in these slippery animals is comprised of a lethal combo of neurotoxins and mycotoxins. This particular sea snake causes approximately 90% of total sea snake-related deaths, so they're pretty formidable compared to their counterparts. That being said, they don't typically go out of their way to mess with humans, so the majority of a small number is still small. Their ability to stay underwater for five hours and swim to depths of 100 meters makes them stand out.
The Aftermath: Their fangs may be relatively short, but these guys can stretch their jaws to make room for bigger prey. And if you happen to be that prey? The sea snakes will wait patiently until you stop struggling and chow down head-first. The venom comes from its small fangs, so human victims don't typically deal with much pain or swelling at the site of the bite. If paralysis sets in, you run the risk of breathing issues, which is the cause of most deaths. And if you really tick the sea snake off, they might bite hard enough to require antivenom.
- 970 VOTESPhoto: Steven G. Johnson / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 3.0
Human Deaths Per Year: The precise number is unknown, though it’s not common.
Why They’re So Dangerous: These big boys can grow up to eight feet long, making them pretty menacing. As their name suggests, these creatures create electric charges to injure their prey.
The Aftermath: Humans aren’t immune to the jolts of an electric eel. However, death is pretty rare. When an electric eel stings a human, it can cause trouble breathing and even heart failure. It makes sense, as that’s a common occurrence with any jolt of electricity. Drowning is the most common cause of death.
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Lionfish
Photo: Michael Gäbler / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY 3.0Human Deaths Per Year: There are no recorded fatalities from lionfish.
Why They’re So Dangerous: Rather than having one possible place for venom contact, each of the lionfish’s spines has venom. It’s easy to mistake these spindly guys with harmless fish, and their quick swimming usually sparks that realization too late. The intense pain of a sting sets in immediately, which can be an issue if you’re far out in the water and/or alone.
The Aftermath: The risk of shock or infection of the wound is the biggest threat that a lionfish sting poses. Check the wound area for any lingering spikes and douse it in the hottest water you can. Avoid ice after a sting as it can make the symptoms worse. Make sure to keep an eye out for necrosis (any darkening skin around the wound) to avoid possible amputation. Of course, if you can get medical help, that should be your first option.
- 1152 VOTESPhoto: Michelle Hedstrom / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY 2.0
Human Deaths Per Year: About 20 stingray deaths have been recorded since 1945.
Why They’re So Dangerous: When people think of stingrays, they typically believe that these slippery guys clock in at less than a foot long. However, they can span up to six feet - which is longer than some humans. These fellas like to chill in the sand, so it’s easy to accidentally step on them. The most intimidating aspect of a stingray comes from the massive barb (that looks like a serrated blade) protruding from its back. Not only can the venom in the barb be fatal when it attacks, but it often remains toxic even after death. As a general rule, they're typically sweet and docile creatures.
The Aftermath: A run-in with a stingray isn’t typically fatal - but one cause of death can come from the barb piercing the chest and impacting the heart. That’s what happened to beloved Australian wildlife expert Steve Irwin. Due to its barb, an attack might cause wounds that turn red or blue. Look out for symptoms like fever, nausea, paralysis, muscle cramps, seizures, and an elevated heart rate. Note: It’s important to wear protection on your hand when you take out the stingers. Vinegar and hot water are vital treatments, but going to a medical professional should be a priority.
- 12101 VOTESPhoto: Christopher Michel / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY 2.0
Human Deaths Per Year: Outside of captivity, there's only one recorded death via orca of all time and it might even be an urban legend.
Why They’re So Dangerous: In reality, they're not really dangerous unless you stick them in a small pool and prevent them from swimming the typical 40 miles a day they would in the wild. Either from boredom or aggression from captivity, that's where the most fatalities come into play. Orcas are naturally curious creatures and they love to play. For the most part, they're like giant dogs who jump on you without realizing their size. However, orcas pose more of a threat to boats than solo humans. And they can hold a grudge.
These guys can even take out a great white shark. There have been a series of boat attacks since 2020, but they're believed to be helmed by the same orca orchestrating the attacks. Experts theorize that it might be retribution for an injury caused by a boat or just a form of play that's gotten out of hand.
The Aftermath: Given that orca attacks are mostly aimed at boats, a sinking boat is usually the biggest problem. With proper lifeboats and survival gear, it's just a matter of getting back to land. The main issue right now is humans trying to play Rambo by lighting off fireworks in the ocean or pouring diesel on them. Please don't do this. Not only is it not going to help the situation, and is more likely to elicit a violent fear response from the whales, but it's polluting the water. So there's really no upside to this other than trying to get a wild TikTok video.
- 1353 VOTESPhoto: Bernard Spragg, NZ / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
Human Deaths Per Year: A precise number isn't known, but there are about 50 poisonings in Japan annually just from eating pufferfish.
Why They’re So Dangerous: They may move slowly, but pufferfish have a deadly venom. Their unique defense mechanism allows them to puff up by slurping water to stretch their stomachs into a ball. The pufferfish poison is downright deadly, even to humans, as it's cited as being 1,200 times more lethal than cyanide. On top of that, they also have a neurotoxin that exists within the fish - so it's a double dose of toxicity.
The Aftermath: Numbers-wise, one pufferfish can kill up to 30 people with just the venom in its body. However, the bulk of poisonings - lethal and otherwise - comes from dining. Despite their danger level, pufferfish are considered a delicacy. The poison usually sets in between 10-45 minutes after ingestion. Some tell-tale signs are tingling around the mouth along with vomiting. It could also escalate to paralysis or even death caused by respiratory failure.
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- 1447 VOTESPhoto: NASA / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
Human Deaths Per Year: There's one known fatal attack from 1994.
Why They’re So Dangerous: They may look cute and cuddly, but some dolphins are downright sadistic. Whispers about dolphins trying to get randy with humans have existed for a while, but there's not a whole lot of evidence to support that. However, they are definitely abusive sexual predators within their own species. They sometimes kill baby dolphins to force female dolphins to mate. Dolphins are also known for toying with (and even brutalizing) other animals for the fun of it without even a food component. The fact that they're super smart makes this behavior even creepier.
The Aftermath: Though dolphins don't typically make a habit of attacking humans, they can cause quite a bit of damage when they do. Due to their size, dolphins can cause pretty damaging bites and even break ribs - which was the case for beachgoers in Japan in the past few years. One issue comes from the fact that people have a habit of feeding dolphins, which they can come to rely on. So, when they don't get that food source, they're likelier to lash out.
