Not only do these fish have bizarre shapes, but they are also extremely dangerous with potent venom, sharp teeth, and terrifying blood-sucking abilities…
The lamprey, vampire fish, and viperfish, are nightmares for other fish and freshwater animals. They truly are underwater monsters.
1. Eel
Eels have long, snake-like bodies with wide jaws. They can grow up to 2.5 meters long. Eels often hide in crevices or rock holes during the day and typically hunt at night. Their sharp teeth combined with strong jaws can inflict serious wounds. Additionally, these wounds are prone to infection due to bacteria that reside in the eel’s mouth.
2. Lamprey
Historically, lampreys were only found in the Atlantic Ocean. However, in the 19th century, they invaded the Great Lakes region in the United States after the Erie Canal was dug. With their remarkable adaptability, lampreys have thrived and rapidly multiplied in freshwater environments, becoming a major cause of the decline of many other fish species in this area.
Lampreys are parasitic, feeding on the blood of other animals. They possess a round mouth filled with many teeth that surround it. They attach to the skin of other fish, using their sharp, pointed tongue to penetrate scales and suck blood. Prey often die after being bled dry by a lamprey.
3. Vampire Fish
The vampire fish, also known as the Vandellia cirrhosa, is a freshwater species exclusive to the Amazon region. Small in size and bright white in color, vampire fish are difficult to detect in the wild. However, they are extremely sensitive to ammonia in the water, which is often excreted through the gills of other fish. They typically follow ammonia trails to seek shelter and feed on the blood of larger fish. This species can also enter the human body through the urinary tract and live parasitically within. In 1997, a person in the Amazon region was reported to have had a vampire fish enter their body after bathing in the river.
4. Stonefish
The stonefish is known to be the most venomous underwater animal. While they do not attack humans, their exceptional camouflage often leads other animals to accidentally step on them. When this happens, the venomous spines deliver a potent sting. The venom of the stonefish can cause shock, instant paralysis, and can be fatal if not treated promptly.
5. Snakehead Fish
Found in most Southeast Asian countries, parts of India, and Africa, the snakehead fish, with its sharp teeth, is a true monster. Typically, this fish measures about 0.6 meters in length but can grow up to 0.9 meters. In addition to being venomous, snakehead fish will eat anything in their path. They can even survive on land for up to four days, making them a terror to other animals.
6. Piranha
Piranhas are known as carnivorous fish. They consume both terrestrial and aquatic animals. Piranhas feed throughout the day and can strip the flesh off their prey within minutes. A school of piranhas can “devour” a cow in about 10 minutes. Scientists estimate that around 1,200 cows are killed and eaten by these fish each year in Brazil.
Children playing in rivers and women washing clothes near the shore can also fall victim to this fish. Piranhas have a triangular shape, razor-sharp teeth, large lower jaw teeth, and smaller upper jaw teeth. Notably, the teeth of piranhas can regenerate. When one breaks, a new tooth grows in its place. The sharp teeth of this fish are so effective that locals in the Amazon use them as scissors for cutting hair.
7. Knifefish
The knifefish, also known as the anglerfish, has a round body resembling a ball with a wide mouth and sharp teeth. This fish has the ability to emit light thanks to a lure on its dorsal fin that sways back and forth in front of its massive jaws. As soon as prey is attracted close enough, the knifefish will immediately snap it up and crush it with its powerful jaws.
8. Stingray
The stingray possesses a 20 cm long tail that is jagged like a spear. This tail becomes rigid and sharper when the stingray senses danger. Notably, this tail contains very dangerous venom. It can cause excruciating pain for mammals, leading to changes in heart rhythm and respiratory dysfunction.
