Not only sharks, but below is a list of the scariest fish lurking beneath the water’s surface. Many warnings have been shared by those who have encountered them.
1. Anglerfish
Anglerfish – A dangerous fish with a terrifying appearance.
Expertly camouflaged among rocks, corals, or the ocean floor, the anglerfish can lie completely still, making it extremely dangerous as its prey cannot see it.
Not only will prey be devoured if they come too close, but any creature that touches its dorsal spines will also encounter trouble, as the tips of these spines release venom.
The venom of the anglerfish causes excruciating pain; within minutes, a person’s arm or leg can swell dramatically, potentially leading to necrosis, and in severe cases, death if not treated promptly.
2. Moray Eel
Moray Eel – A frightening fish with special teeth.
The moray eel is a dangerous predator, averaging about 3 meters in length. They usually hunt fish, but there have been cases of divers being attacked. Their poor eyesight means they might mistake a human arm for a tasty meal.
They are terrifying because of their unique set of teeth. Once the first set of teeth clamps down on the prey, the second set immediately follows to drag the prey deep into their throat. Therefore, few creatures can escape once they have been attacked.
3. Pufferfish
Pufferfish – A fish possessing deadly toxins.
Perhaps the most famous fish capable of causing death is the pufferfish. It has a sac containing extremely potent toxins, and if someone consumes it, there is almost no method of saving them.
This fish is a popular delicacy in Japan. Chefs preparing pufferfish must have a special license after thorough training to ensure the fish is safe for consumption. Most fatalities occur among those who attempt to prepare the fish at home without the necessary knowledge.
4. Stingray
Stingray – A fish with a terrifying venomous spine.
Typically, stingrays rarely attack humans as they mostly bury themselves in the sand on the ocean floor and occasionally swim leisurely. However, there have been cases where humans accidentally disturbed them and were attacked in self-defense, usually by stepping on them.
One notable incident involved Australian conservationist Steve Irwin, who died after being attacked by a stingray while swimming.
Stingrays have venomous spines along their tails, and they lash out when threatened, but their usual first line of defense is to swim away. Therefore, divers are often advised not to approach them or stir up the sand at the ocean floor to avoid alarming them.
5. Great White Shark
The great white shark is perhaps the most famous species capable of attacking humans, but is it really as terrifying as we think?
Of the 949 recorded cases of humans being attacked by sharks without provocation, only 351 cases involved great white sharks, with 59 resulting in fatalities.
The tiger shark and bull shark follow closely behind in terms of danger. All three species can grow up to 6 meters long and weigh as much as 1,800 kg. Their sharp teeth are the most dangerous characteristic, making them effective predators.
6. Lionfish
Lionfish – A dangerous fish with a bright appearance.
The stunning beauty of this fish comes with a level of terror it inflicts on divers. This is because hidden within their long, flowing fins are dozens of sharp spines that can inject venom strong enough to cause extreme pain or even temporary paralysis, difficulty breathing, and nausea.
Currently, lionfish inhabit the waters of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific, but they are generally non-aggressive and do not attack humans. Injuries occur only when humans accidentally approach or intentionally catch them for aquarium trade.
7. Candiru
This parasitic fish can swim into the human urethra.
This parasitic fish is native to the Amazon River. It can swim into the urethra of a person, although incidents like this are very rare. However, just the thought of this is enough to warrant its place on the list of the most dangerous fish.
8. Electric Eel
This fish can deliver a shock strong enough to be lethal.
Electric eels live in the rivers and seas of South America. They can deliver shocks strong enough to be lethal, especially in water environments where victims may drown.
9. Goliath Tigerfish
The Goliath tigerfish is very aggressive and prone to attack humans.
With its ability to swim very fast and razor-sharp teeth, the goliath tigerfish is highly aggressive and can easily attack humans, causing severe injuries, with some recorded fatalities. However, it is believed they attack humans by mistake, confusing them for their prey.
10. Sawfish
This fish has razor-sharp teeth.
With razor-sharp teeth and the strongest bite force known among fish, the “reputation” of this species is well-deserved.
Some individuals are capable of biting off a chunk of flesh or a hand, or toes of a victim. However, most recorded cases indicate they bite once and then release, seemingly only attacking if someone disturbs their nest at the riverbed.
Whether sawfish are truly aggressive killers remains unclear. They typically swim in schools, seemingly for safety rather than to hunt prey.
