Earth’s oceans are full of beautiful creatures like dolphins, turtles, and vibrant fish, especially the Pacific. However, watch out – it also harbors some extremely dangerous fish that could be deadly. Here are 17 of the most perilous fish in the Pacific Ocean that you should definitely avoid.
Humboldt Squid
This species of squid is known to have an aggressive nature toward humans and other species, with American Oceans writing, “Humboldt squids might not appear intimidating on the surface, but are legitimate predators within the Pacific Ocean ecosystem.” They can grow up to over 6 feet (2 meters) and usually reside in the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean, so look out if you end up in this aquatic region.
Barracuda
Barracudas can be found in the warm, tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean. They have sharp teeth and can reach high speeds, which is what makes them so dangerous. Even though attacks on humans are rare, they can cause injuries to swimmers and divers, especially if they have something shiny on them.
Great White Shark
Great white sharks are known for being incredibly powerful and will strike when you least expect it. For example, Britannica writes, “In the areas where they are most common, white sharks are responsible for numerous unprovoked, and sometimes fatal, attacks on swimmers, divers, surfers, kayakers, and even small boats.”
Box Jellyfish
This species of jellyfish is one of the most venomous in the ocean, and its stings can even be fatal. Box jellyfish are more responsible for deaths in the Indo-Pacific region than any kind of shark. They’re easily recognizable by their cube-shaped bell and long tentacles that feature nematocysts.
Moray Eel
The moray eel is a predatory fish with sharp teeth. It has a powerful bite and can cause serious injury if a person gets too close to it. Some of these eels may also carry a toxin that can be harmful to humans. These eels can be found on coral reefs and rocky coastlines.
Tiger Shark
There have been many tiger shark attacks against humans. For example, A-Z Animals writes, “They hunt close to the shore and will eat anything. They are responsible for several attacks on humans every year.” Tiger sharks are second only to the great white sharks in their attacks on humans.
Sea Snake
Sea snakes are highly venomous, and their bites can even be deadly to humans. While their initial bite may not hurt, it’s important to note that their venom is still fatal. They spend most of their lives in the water, so it won’t be very common to find one on dry land.
Oceanic Whitetip Shark
These sharks are more commonly known to attack shipwreck survivors, especially those from WWII. They’re considered to be dangerous as they have a bold nature and a large presence in open waters. The number of recorded deaths from this shark species often outnumbers those from sharks that have a worse reputation.
Lionfish
Lionfish can be extremely dangerous. This is supported by the Center for Surf Research, which writes, “The sting of a lionfish can cause serious pain, breathing difficulties, and vomiting. While they aren’t fatal in most cases, they can be extremely dangerous for children and the elderly.” These fish are brightly colored and found throughout the Pacific Ocean.
Stonefish
Stonefish are the most venomous fish in the world, thanks to their lethal stings. The worst part is that the ocean floor camouflages them, which can be risky for anyone swimming in the Pacific Ocean. While there is anti-venom available, it needs to be given to a person immediately to have some sort of effect.
Pufferfish
Pufferfish contain neurotoxins, and this can be lethal. These fish are considered a delicacy in Japan, but if they aren’t consumed properly, they can be fatal. Pufferfish are usually prepared by a specially trained chef to ensure the safety of anyone who eats them.
Salmon Shark
The salmon shark is a predator that can be found in the northern Pacific waters. They’re closely related to the great white shark and are known to attack fish and seabirds. Luckily, they aren’t seen as a huge threat to humans. They can swim at a high speed and commonly eat salmon, which is where the name came from.
Blue-Ringed Octopus
Blue-ringed octopuses may be small, but they’re also very deadly. They have venom strong enough to kill humans, and there is no known anti-venom. This means that being bitten by a blue-ringed octopus could be fatal. It’s easy to tell when faced with this octopus because it will release bright blue rings when it feels threatened.
Crown-of-Thorns Starfish
The Australian Institute of Marine Science writes, “To combat those predators brave enough to attack, the starfish have another line of defense—a toxic slime. Their spines are covered in plancitoxins which can cause liver damage.” This venomous starfish preys on coral polyps and can cause significant reef damage, so much so that one outbreak can be a threat to ecosystems.
Mako Shark
This is one of the fastest shark species on the planet and is known for its agility in open waters. Attacks on humans are rare, but thanks to their large size and strength, they can also be quite severe. Mako sharks can usually be found in tropical waters, not just in the Pacific but also worldwide.
Hammerhead Shark
A hammerhead shark can easily be recognized by its distinct head. While it has the appearance of a hammer, this shaped head actually enhances the shark’s sensory perception. It generally isn’t considered to be a dangerous species to humans, but that doesn’t mean it can’t cause some serious harm if it’s attacked.
Bull Shark
National Geographic Kids writes, “Bull sharks are the most dangerous sharks in the world, according to many experts. This is because they’re an aggressive species of shark, and they tend to hunt in waters where people often swim: along tropical shorelines.” They’re responsible for many attacks near shores and can even travel up rivers.