The Deadliest for Human - Which sea creatures caused highest number of Human Deaths

Ocean is full of ferocious predators, venomous animals which can kill a human within few minutes. But we only need to worry about those which actually kill people.

This article documented only few animals which are most dangerous to us and caused many fatalities or serious injuries. Sea snakes are not included as they rarely cause any fatality as they are not that aggressive towards human. But, they are deadly, no doubt. One drop of Beaked sea snake venom can kill 3 men and a mature beaked sea snake has enough to kill 39 adults.

And killer whale, which many people think as one of deadliest predator, is not so deadly for us. Study shows that human flesh doesn’t activate their taste buds, means they are not at all interested in killing you unless you are bothering him with a camera crew.

Here are the dangerous creatures which are really deadliest to human.

Stingrays:

These are one of the most common groups of fish responsible for human envenomations; largely because many rays bury themselves on the seafloor and people unintentionally step on them. Stingray venom is generally cardiotoxic and not deadly. In fact, hot water can destroy the venom. The venom composed of the enzymes 5-nucleotidase and phosphodiesterase and the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonine

causes severe smooth muscle contract and enzymes causes tissue death. But, if not treated immediately and venom enters abdomen or chest cavity, it causes tissue death in vital organs. Besides, sharp barbs on the spine often cause serious injuries. The sharp tip enters flesh smoothly and then tears every muscle in its way out. So, strike of its spine can cause severe tissue damage, bleeding and even death without using a drop of venom.

Stone fish:

It is considered one of the most venomous fishes. In fact, few people gave it title of most venomous fish. As they look like stone, people often step on them. It has stout dorsal fin spines which inject the venom. It generally delivers neurotoxin which acts on nervous system. A sting from one of these fish can cause severe pain, rapid swelling, tissue death, muscle weakness, temporary paralysis, and in few cases, death.

Pufferfish:

It is actually more venomous than stone fish but it rarely come in contact of human. It  delivers a very powerful neurotoxin known as tedrodotoxin. It has no antivenom. It will inhibit neural transmission leading to weakness, paralysis, respiratory failure, and death.

Cone snail:

This colorful marine snail has the fastest acting venom in the world which kills you in 2 to 3 minutes. And they have more than 100 fatal neurotoxins in their arsenal. They also inject a pain killer along which that venom cocktail. It means would not feel pain when it stings you. And its venom will stop function of nervous system and cause respiratory failure before victim can take any measure. So, don’t pick colorful snails on beach.

Blue ring octopus:

It very small and colorful octopuses also delivers tedrodotoxin like the pufferfish.  But they caused more deaths, around 16. With no antivenom available their sting means death by respiratory and nervous system failure.

Shark:

Sharks are known for their aggressive nature specially the fearsome trio, tiger shark, bull shark and the great white. As they are found in areas where humans enter the water, they had caused many injuries and even fatalities. Till 2014, around 548 fatal shark attacks are recorded and most those include one of these three, specially bull and great white.

Saltwater Crocodile:

It grows upto 20 feet and known for its aggressiveness. They cause 106 deaths only in Australia during 1970 to 2013 time periods. They have most powerful bite, ever measured, even stronger than shark bite. Their jaw shut with 3,700 pounds per square inch or 16,460 newtons of bite force, powerful enough to crush bones.

Box Jellyfish:

It is one of the most venomous animals in the planet. It grow up to 20 cm and the tentacles can grow up to 3 meter. The tentacles have nematocyst cells for venom production. This killer jellyfish delivers a cocktail of neurotoxins, cardiotoxin and tissue killer chemical. Means the victim will feel weakness, severe pain, high blood pressure, and may die from cardiac arrest.

There are almost 60 fatal cases, but real number is much higher.

So, if you ever feel like going to ocean, be alert to avoid contact with one of these killers.

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