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 Shark
There are approximately 170 species of sharks found in Australian waters and the majority are harmless to humans.
They use a well-developed sense of smell and an amazing ability to detect electrical impulses and vibrations in the water to hunt.
Although attacks are rare and often not fatal, some species of shark can mistake humans for their natural prey and bite for that reason.
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Stonefish
The Stonefish is the most venomous fish in the sea, with 13 dorsal spines to inject a cocktail of toxins into an attacker.
It is an expert in camouflage and while its venom causes extreme pain and can be fatal, an antivenom is available.
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Blue-ringed Octopus
Known as one of the most toxic sea creatures, it produces a deadly venom containing tetrodotoxin which is also found in puffer fish and cone shells.
One octopus can produce enough venom to kill 26 adult humans! Victims often do not feel the bite but slowly become paralysed while remaining fully conscious.
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Saltwater Crocodile
Males can grow up to 7 metres in length and weigh more than 1 tonne. With incredible crushing power, their fearsome jaws can exert more than 1.3 tonnes of pressure per square inch.
They lie patiently beneath the water before launching at their prey and dragging it underwater until it drowns. Prey includes water buffalo, monkeys and sharks.
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Platypus
The male Platypus has a hollow spur approximately 15 millimeters long on the inside of both rear legs, which is connected to a venom gland containing a cocktail of strong toxins.
It is believed that the spur is normally used in aggressive encounters between male platypuses. Platypus venom is excruciatingly painful and is strong enough to kill a small dog.
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Cone Shells
Found in shallow coral reef environments, Cone Shells or Snails are often collected for their unique and intricately patterned shell.
Their beauty disguises harpoon-like venomous teeth which are capable of penetrating clothing and can be moved in any direction.
The venom can cause lack of co-ordination, disturbed vision and slurred speech or in severe cases respiratory muscle paralysis and death.
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Fortescue
Common in coastal areas of south-eastern Australia, Fortescues rely on their mottled camouflage to conceal themselves among rocks,
seaweed and seagrass beds. Their 16 strong venomous spines are a secondary defence if their camouflage fails, capable of inflicting a very painful sting. Stings are painful but not lethal.
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Red Rockcod
The Red Rockcod is often found with sponges in rocky areas covered with algae. A sting from the Red Rockcod’s 12 venomous dorsal fins
causes excruciating pain that can last for up to half a day. Like some other venomous fish, the sting of a Red Rockcod can be relieved by soaking the area in 45°C water.
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Sea Urchin
Spiky, algae-eating sea urchins are a familiar sight in rockpools and coastal areas around Australia. Some species of sea urchins have poison glands on the ends of the feet,
which have occasionally resulted in human fatalities when handled. Sea urchin spines can also cause infections if they break off under the skin.
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Moray Eel
Although, fierce looking, the Moray Eel is generally placid unless provoked when they will bite in self-defence.
Their razor sharp teeth are shaped like curved daggers capable of causing serious wounds, which may also become infected with bacteria from their teeth and slime.
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Old Wife
Found in waters stretching from southern Queensland to south-western Western Australia, Old Wives have a distinctive shape and black and white stripes.
Old Wives have two dorsal fins, with both fins containing a venom that causes severe pain. Just like Fortescue’s their stings are painful but not lethal.
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Lionfish
This extremely beautiful fish hides a secret weapon – their fan-like fins are actually needle-sharp spines coated with venom.
Lionfish venom causes extreme pain but can be relieved by soaking the affected body part in 45°C water.
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Pufferfish
Pufferfish or Toadfish are often spotted buried in the sand with only their eyes exposed. They have poisonous skin and organs and produce tetradotoxin,
hence they can be fatal if eaten. In Japan, Pufferfish are eaten as a delicacy called fugu. Fugu chefs train for years to learn to prepare the fish to
make it safe to eat but despite this, between 50-75 people die each year!
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Surgeonfish
Commonly found in the coastal waters of northern Queensland and northern Western Australia, the Surgeonfish has a sharp,
scalpel-like spine at the base of the tail that can be raised and used as a weapon. These spines are highly modified body scales.
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Rabbitfish
Commonly found in shallow waters of the Pacific, the Rabbitfish is mainly herbivorous. Brightly coloured,
Rabbitfish have venomous dorsal and anal fins that are capable of causing stings more painful than the Lionfish.
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Stingray
Stringraees range in size from 2 metres in width (the southern smooth ray, the largest in the world) to plate sized stringraees.
Equipped with 1 or 2 sharp serrated spines, which are connected to a venomous gland used to defend themselves when threatened,
similar to a scorpion. Wounds are usually deep and ragged and often become infected.
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