Everyone knows that you don’t want to experience the sting of a jellyfish. While it might not kill you (unless it’s a box jellyfish), the sensation is pretty nasty and could last for hours or even days. However, compared to other stings, the jellyfish is actually pretty tame. If you don’t believe us, just check out the following sea creatures that sting just as bad, if not worse, and you’ll see what we mean.
Portuguese Man O’ War
Contrary to popular belief, the Portuguese Man O’ War is not actually a jellyfish. Yes, it looks just like one, but it’s actually a siphonophore made up of specialised organisms working together. Its tentacles, which can reach up to 30 metres long, are equipped with venom that remains active for days, even after washing ashore. Ultimately, this makes it a hazard not just in the water but also on the beach.
Lionfish
While the lionfish might be stunning, it’s also very dangerous, with venomous spines that deliver a sting causing severe pain, nausea, and sometimes dizziness. Found in tropical waters, its venom can even lead to systemic symptoms, making it a threat to swimmers and divers who encounter it unaware.
Stonefish
Perfectly camouflaged among rocks and sand, the stonefish is one of the most venomous fish in the world, using its sharp dorsal spines to inject venom that can cause agonising pain, swelling, and even life-threatening shock. Accidental contact, such as stepping on one, often leads to a trip to the hospital, so you really ought to be careful when walking around coastal waters.
Fire Coral
Despite its name, fire coral is a hydrozoan, not a true coral, but one thing is clear–its sting is awfully painful. Contact with its surface causes a burning sensation and irritation that can last for days. Unfortunately, its sharp edges and venom make it a common cause of discomfort for snorkelers and divers.
Sea Urchins
One of the most famous examples of a sting on this list is the sea urchin, with its iconic sharp spines which are hidden on rocky shores. Some species, such as the flower urchin, deliver venom that causes awful throbbing pain, swelling, and redness. Step on one, and you’ll quickly experience its unpleasant defence mechanism.
Crown-of-Thorns Starfish
You might think that starfish seem innocuous, but that’s certainly not the case for the crown-of-thorns starfish, which is both a coral predator and a hazard to humans. Terrifyingly, its venomous spines can cause sharp pain, swelling, and wounds that heal slowly, sometimes leading to secondary infections. Therefore, handling this spiky starfish without protection is strongly discouraged.
Blue-Ringed Octopus
It might be small, but the blue-ringed octopus is one of the most dangerous species on this list. For humans, its venom can cause paralysis and respiratory failure, making it one of the deadliest marine creatures in the world. Yes, its bite is painless at first, but the effects can escalate quickly, requiring urgent medical attention soon after.
Stingrays
Another sea creature that stings just as bad as jellyfish is the appropriately named stingray, a typically gentle creature. However, if provoked or stepped on, it will defend itself without hesitation, using its venomous tail spines to administer a painful sting. If you’re unlucky enough to experience this, you can expect swelling, infection, and, in some cases, injuries so severe that medical treatment is required.
Fireworms
As their name suggests, fireworms are bristly marine creatures that pack a painful sting. On contact, their venom-filled bristles break off, causing a burning sensation, irritation, and redness. Typically found in shallow waters, these worms are a reminder to only admire marine life from a safe distance.
Cone Snails
It’s easy to assume that cone snails are harmless, but their venom is so powerful that it can be fatal. Using a harpoon-like tooth, they inject venom that causes numbness, paralysis, and, in severe cases, death. As a result, these molluscs are among the most venomous in the ocean, making them a hidden danger in tropical waters.
Weaver Fish
The weaver fish is a common threat in shallow coastal waters, particularly in the UK, so watch out! Its venomous spines, located on its dorsal fin, deliver a painful sting that causes swelling and redness. Thankfully, wearing water shoes is a simple way to avoid an unpleasant encounter with this hidden hazard.
Sea Nettles
Sea nettles are jellyfish relatives with tentacles that can cause painful stings, with their venom producing itching, red welts, and discomfort. You’ll be relieved to learn that they’re rarely dangerous, but even so, it’s certainly a sting comparable, if not worse, to the displeasure of a jellyfish encounter.
Sea Anemones
Lastly, did you know that some sea anemones possess stinging cells that can irritate human skin? Although their venom is mild compared to other creatures on this list, it can still cause nasty itching and rashes upon contact. Sure, these colourful organisms are more of a minor annoyance than a serious threat to swimmers, but a close encounter will be far from pleasant.