The most dangerous marine predator. The largest predators in the world. Marine predatory fish

The seas and oceans form a joint unique ecosystem that becomes a habitat for millions of amazing creatures. Some of the inhabitants of the deep are the largest living organisms on the planet, others can be seen using unusually powerful microscopes.

In the course of evolution, each creature ocean has developed a unique strategy that allows each individual and the species as a whole to survive in the depths of the waters.

However, not all the inhabitants of the ocean have chosen a defensive form of behavior, some of the representatives of the underwater fauna have become real predators, aggressive, cunning, insidious and deadly.

This article will name the most deadly inhabitants sea ​​depths.

"Dumb Shark"

She hunts in shallow water, where people swim so often, and is deservedly considered one of the most insidious and dangerous sharks that live in the ocean.

Sharks of this species are called "blunt-nosed" due to their massive, solid body, and a certain shape of the mouth, resembling the face of a square. Aggressive reputation blunt sharks, is confirmed by the frequency of attacks and killings of people. An adult reaches four meters and moves under water with amazing speed. She literally hunts in the waters of all oceans, eating everything in her path.

Scientists have recently found that the shark practically does not use its eyes during the hunt, it relies on more "subtle" senses. Developed sense of smell allows her to capture the scent of the victim at a distance of up to two kilometers.

A special organ on her head picks up the slightest fluctuations in the water, which helps her track the victim. After the predator has decided on the prey, it rapidly rushes towards it, accelerating up to 20 kilometers per hour, which is twice as fast as an Olympic swimmer.

The blunt-nosed shark is armed with teeth, the edge of which resembles small saw blades. Indeed, evolution has created a ruthless killer. It is almost impossible for a person to escape from her mouth.

"Big Barracuda"

Sharks are not the only creatures that have been created by evolution as ruthless predators. There are many creatures in the ocean that can boast of their lethality.

There are approximately 26 species of barracuda in the world, but the "Great Barracuda" is the largest, most aggressive and dangerous. Its structure is similar to a torpedo. An adult individual reaches 2 meters and at the same time weighs 45-50 kilograms. She can pursue her prey at depths of up to 100 meters. The hunter determines the exact location of the victim thanks to excellent vision. The great barracuda is an excellent strategist, scientists have determined that this predator uses two methods of catching prey, catching up with the victim, reaching a speed of 55 km / h, or waiting for prey in ambush. Fortunately, this predator rarely attacks a person, only two cases are officially known when a barracuda killed a person.

"Sperm whale"

Length adult reaches 25 meters, and the weight can reach up to 50 tons. Every day, this giant carnivore eats a ton of food. The throat of a sperm whale is large enough for it to swallow an adult male. According to the official scientific paradigm, this sea monster does not prey on people, but is content with octopuses and fish, which it eats thanks to its sharp, dagger-like teeth. Although some scientists suggest that the sperm whale can eat a person as an alternative to the same octopus.

"Electric Stingray"

large disc-shaped body electric ramp can weigh more than 40 kilograms. This is one of the 24 types of stingrays, which is capable of delivering a powerful electric shock. This blow is able to “turn off” a person for a long time, and in some cases even kill. Often lone scuba divers die because of that creature, stunned by his blow, they simply do not have time to surface when the oxygen in the cylinders runs out.

The stingray, attacking its prey, inflicts a crushing electric shock on it, which destroys it. nervous system and leads to muscle spasm. This predator can attack its prey at depths of up to 200 meters, but prefers to hunt in shallow water.

"Sailboat"

This type of fish does not have teeth as long as a blade, but a sharp outgrowth protruding forward can be used by them as deadly weapon. Often people die in the process of fishing for this ocean dweller. The sailboat grows up to four meters and can weigh 100 kilograms. This predator is the fastest of all hunters in the ocean, its baked body shape allows it to accelerate to a speed of 120 km / h.

"Sea leopard"

This species of seal feeds mainly on warm-blooded prey. His hunting grounds are the cold arctic waters. Its main dish is penguins, which sea ​​leopard relentlessly pursues and eats. On average, a predator kills 5-6 penguins per day. Penguins can only hide on ice floes. In the process of hunting, the sea leopard develops a speed of up to 40 km / h. Its weight is 500 kilograms.

"Spine cushion sea urchin"

Sea urchins are small creatures, usually hard-shelled and covered in sharp needles. In addition, one of the types sea ​​urchins may also bite.

However, we will talk about a completely harmless, at first glance, representative of this species. It does not have sharp thorns and at the same time looks bright and festive.

The needle-cushioned sea urchin, despite its festive, bright color, is deadly and ruthless, the poison in its needles can easily end the life of an adult. A pouch on each needle contains a potent toxin that enters the victim's body as soon as the needle breaks the skin.

However, this is not the entire arsenal of this creature. In addition to the poison needles, the hedgehog has many tiny jaws that contain small fangs. At the end of the teeth accumulates especially dangerous toxin, which, getting into the blood, paralyzes the nervous system.

The ocean is fraught with a huge number of dangers, at first glance, harmless creatures are capable of causing significant harm to a person, what can we say then about the creatures that were presented on this list.

It has long been necessary for a person to understand that he is not such a master of the wild, in the face of real predators, all the achievements of civilization fade.

No related links found



To the predators underwater world include fish whose diet includes other inhabitants of water bodies, as well as birds and some animals. The world of predatory fish is diverse: from frightening specimens to attractive aquarium specimens. They are united by the possession of a large mouth with sharp teeth for catching prey.

A feature of predators is unbridled greed, excessive voracity. Ichthyologists note the special intelligence of these creatures of nature, ingenuity. The struggle for survival contributed to the development of abilities by which predatory fish surpass even cats and dogs.

Marine predatory fish

Overwhelming majority marine fish predatory families live in the tropics and subtropics. This is due to the content in these climatic zones a huge variety of herbivorous fish, warm-blooded mammals that make up the diet of predators.

Shark

Unconditional leadership takes white predatory fish shark, the most insidious for man. The length of its carcass is 11 m. Its relatives of 250 species also carry a potential danger, although attacks of 29 representatives of their families have been officially recorded. The safest shark is a giant, up to 15 m long, feeding on plankton.

Other species, larger than 1.5-2 meters, are insidious and dangerous. Among them:

• Tiger shark;
• hammerhead shark (large outgrowths with eyes on the head on the sides);
• mako shark;
• katran (sea dog);
• gray shark;
• spotted shark scyllum.

In addition to sharp teeth, the fish are equipped with prickly spikes and a hard skin. Cuts and blows are no less dangerous than bites. Wounds inflicted by large sharks are 80% fatal. The strength of the jaws of predators reaches 18 tf. With her bites, she is able to dismember a person into pieces.

Pictured is a stone perch

Scorpionfish (Sea ruff)

Predatory bottom fish. The body, compressed on the sides, is colorfully painted and protected by spikes and processes for camouflage. A real monster with bulging eyes and thick lips. Keeps in the thickets of the coastal zone, no deeper than 40 meters, hibernates at great depths.

It is very difficult to notice him at the bottom. In the forage base are crustaceans, greenfinch, and atherine. For prey is not worn. She waits for her to come closer, then with a throw she grabs into her mouth. It lives in the waters of the Black and Azov Seas, the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

Mistake (galley)

Medium-sized fish 25-40 cm long with an oblong body of a dirty color with very small scales. A bottom predator that spends time in the sand during the day and goes hunting at night. In food molluscs, worms, crustaceans, small fish. Features - in pelvic fins on the chin and a special swim bladder.

Atlantic cod

Large individuals up to 1-1.5 m long, weighing 50-70 kg. Dwells in temperate zone, forms a number of subspecies. The color contains green color with an olive tint, brown blotches. The basis of nutrition is herring, capelin, polar cod, mollusks.

Their own juveniles, small relatives, go to feed. For Atlantic cod characterized by seasonal migration over long distances up to 1.5 thousand km. A number of subspecies have adapted to live in desalinated seas.

Pacific cod

It has a massive head shape. Average length does not exceed 90 cm, weight 25 kg. Dwells in northern zones Pacific Ocean. In the diet of pollock, shrimps, octopuses. Settled stay in a reservoir is characteristic.

Catfish

Marine representative of the perch genus. The name is derived from the canine-like front teeth protruding from the mouth. The body is eel-shaped, up to 125 cm long, weighing an average of 18-20 kg.

It lives in moderately cold waters, near rocky soils, where it is located. fodder base. In behavior, the fish is aggressive even towards relatives. In the diet of jellyfish, crustaceans, medium-sized fish, shellfish.

Pink salmon

A representative of small salmon, 70 cm in length on average. The habitat of pink salmon is extensive: the northern regions of the Pacific Ocean, entering the Arctic Ocean. Pink salmon is a representative of anadromous fish tending to spawn in fresh waters. Therefore, small salmon is known in all rivers of the North, on the Asian mainland, Sakhalin and other places.

The fish is named for its dorsal hump. Characteristic dark stripes appear on the body for spawning. The diet is based on crustaceans, small fish, fry.

Eel-pout

Unusual inhabitant coasts of the Baltic, White and Barents Seas. Bottom fish, in the preferences of which sand, overgrown with algae. Very tenacious. It can wait for the tide among wet stones or hide in a hole.

Appearance resembles a small animal, up to 35 cm in size. Large head, body tapers to a sharp tail. The eyes are large, protruding. The pectoral fins look like two fans. Scales like those of a lizard, not overlapping the next one. Eelpouts feed on small fish, gastropods, worms, and larvae.

Brown (eight-linear) greenling

Occurs along the rocky headlands of the Pacific coast. The name refers to the color with green and brown hues. Another option was obtained for a complex drawing. The meat is green. In the diet, like many predators, crustaceans. There are many relatives in the terpug family:

• Japanese;
• Steller's greenling (spotted);
• red;
• single line;
• one-feathered;
• long-browed and others.

Names of predatory fish often pass them on external features.

Gloss

Breeds in warm coastal waters. The length of a flat fish is 15-20 cm. In appearance, the gloss is compared with a river flounder, it is adapted to live in water of various salinity. It feeds on bottom food - mollusks, worms, crustaceans.

Glossa fish

Beluga

Among predators, this fish is one of the largest relatives. The species is listed in the Red. The peculiarity of the structure of the skeleton is in the elastic cartilaginous chord, the absence of vertebrae. The size reaches 4 meters and weighs from 70 kg to 1 ton.

It occurs in the Caspian and Black Seas, during spawning - in large rivers. A characteristic wide mouth, an overhanging thick lip, 4 large antennae are inherent in the beluga. The uniqueness of the fish lies in longevity, the age can reach a century.

Eats fish. AT natural conditions forms hybrid varieties with sturgeon, stellate sturgeon, sterlet.

Sturgeon

Large predator, up to 6 meters long. The weight commercial fish an average of 13-16 kg, although the giants reach 700-800 kg. The body is strongly elongated, without scales, covered with rows of bony scutes.

The head is small, the mouth is located below. It feeds on bottom organisms, fish, providing itself with 85% protein food. well tolerated low temperature and a period of restlessness. Lives in salt and fresh water.

Stellate sturgeon

Characteristic appearance due to the elongated shape of the nose, the length of which reaches 60% of the length of the head. The size of the stellate sturgeon is inferior to other sturgeons - average weight fish only 7-10 kg, length 130-150 cm. Like relatives, she is a long-liver among fish, lives 35-40 years.

Lives in the Caspian and Seas of Azov with migration to large rivers. The basis of nutrition is crustaceans, worms.

Flounder

The sea predator is easy to distinguish by a flat body, eyes located on one side, and a circular fin. She has almost forty varieties:

• stellate;
• yellowfin;
• halibut;
• proboscis;
• linear;
• long-tailed, etc.

Distributed from the Arctic Circle to Japan. Adapted to live on a muddy bottom. Hunts from an ambush for crustaceans, shrimps, small fish. The sighted side is distinguished by mimicry. But if frightened away, she sharply breaks away from the bottom, swims away to a safe place and lies on the blind side.

Lechia

Large marine predator from the horse mackerel family. Runs in Black mediterranean seas, in the east of the Atlantic, southwest of the Indian Ocean. It grows up to 2 meters with a weight gain of up to 50 kg. Dashing prey is herring, sardines in the water column and crustaceans in the bottom layers.

Whiting

Predatory schooling fish with a slanted body. The color is gray, with a purple tint on the back. It is found in the Kerch Strait, the Black Sea. Likes cold waters. By the movement of anchovies, you can follow the appearance of whiting.

Whip

It lives in the coastal waters of the Azov and Black Seas. Up to 40 cm long, weighing up to 600 g. The body is flattened, often covered with spots. Open gills increase the size of the head, devoid of it, and frighten predators. Among stony and sandy soils it hunts with shrimps, mussels, small fish.

River predatory fish

Freshwater predators are well known to anglers. This is not only a commercial river catch, known to cooks and housewives. The role of insatiable inhabitants of reservoirs is in eating low-value weeds and diseased individuals. Predatory freshwater fish carry out a kind of sanitary cleaning of water bodies.

Chub

A picturesque inhabitant of Central Russian reservoirs. Dark green back, golden sides, dark border on scales, orange fins. He likes to eat fish fry, larvae, crustaceans.

asp

The fish is called a horse for frisky jumping out of the water and deafening falls on prey. Blows with the tail and body of such force that small fish become petrified. The fishermen called the predator a river corsair. Keeps aloof. The main prey is bleak floating on the surface of water bodies. Inhabits large reservoirs, rivers, south seas.

catfish

The largest predator without scales, reaching 5 meters in length and 400 kg in weight. Favorite habitats are the waters of the European part of Russia. Home food catfish - shellfish, fish, small freshwater inhabitants and birds. Hunts at night, spends the day in pits, under snags. Catch catfish - difficult task, since the predator is strong and smart

Pike

A real predator by habits. Throws himself at everything, even at relatives. But preference is given to roach, crucian carp, rudd. Dislikes prickly ruff and perch. Catches and waits before swallowing when the prey subsides.

Hunts frogs, birds, mice. Distinguished by rapid growth and a good camouflage outfit. It grows on average up to 1.5 meters and weighs up to 35 kg. Sometimes there are giants in human growth.

Zander

Large predator of large and clean rivers. The weight of a meter fish reaches 10-15 kg, sometimes more. Found in sea ​​waters. Unlike other predators, the mouth and throat are small, so small fish serve as food. Avoids thickets, so as not to become the prey of the pike. Active in hunting.

Predatory fish zander

Burbot

Belonesox

Small predators are not afraid to attack even commensurate fish, so they are called miniature pikes. Gray-brown color with black spots like a line. The diet contains live food from small fish. If the whiteness is in a satiated form, then the prey will be alive until the next dinner.

tiger perch

big fish with a contrasting coloration up to 50 cm long. The shape of the body resembles an arrowhead. The fin on the back stretches to the tail, with which it provides acceleration in the pursuit of prey. The color is yellow with black diagonal stripes. The diet should include bloodworms, shrimp, earthworms.

Livingstone cichlid

On the video predatory fish reflect the unique mechanism of ambush hunting. Occupy a position dead fish and long time withstand for surprise attack emerging prey.

The length of the cichlid is up to 25 cm, the spotted color varies in yellow-blue-silver tones. A red-orange border runs along the edge of the fins. In the aquarium, pieces of shrimp, fish, are used as food. You can't overfeed.

toad fish

The appearance is unusual, the huge head and growths on the body are surprising. The bottom dweller, thanks to camouflage, hides among snags, roots, awaits the approach of the victim to attack. In the aquarium it feeds on bloodworms, shrimp, pollock or other fish. Likes solo content.

leaf fish

Unique adaptation to a fallen leaf. Camouflage helps guard prey. The size of an individual does not exceed 10 cm. The yellowish-brown color helps to imitate the drifting of a fallen tree leaf. In the daily diet 1-2 fish.

Biara

Suitable for keeping only in large aquariums. The length of individuals is up to 80 cm. The type of a real predator with a large head and a mouth full of sharp teeth. Large fins on the abdomen are like wings. It feeds only on live fish.

Tetra vampire

In the aquarium environment it grows up to 30 cm, in nature - up to 45 cm. The ventral fins look like wings. Helps to make rapid jerks for prey. In swimming, the head is lowered down. In nutrition, live fish can be abandoned in favor of pieces of meat, mussels.

Aravan

A representative of the oldest fish up to 80 cm in size. An elongated body with fins forming a fan. Such a structure gives acceleration in hunting, the ability to jump. The structure of the mouth allows you to grab prey from the surface of the water. You can feed in the aquarium with shrimps, fish, worms.

Trahira (Terta the wolf)

Legend of the Amazon. Keeping in the aquarium is available to experienced professionals. Grows up to half a meter. Gray powerful body with big head, sharp teeth. The fish eats not only living food, it serves as a kind of orderly. In an artificial pond, it feeds on shrimps, mussels, pieces of fish.

Frog catfish

A large predator with a massive head, a huge mouth. Notable short antennae. Dark body color and whitish belly. It grows up to 25 cm. It feeds on fish with white meat, shrimps, mussels.

Dimidochromis

beautiful predator blue-orange color. Develops speed, attacks with powerful jaws. It grows up to 25 cm. The body is flattened on the sides, the back has a round contour, the stomach is even. Fish smaller than a predator will surely become his food. Shrimps, mussels, shellfish are added to the diet.

All predatory fish in wildlife and artificial keeping are carnivorous. The variety of species and habitats has been shaped by many years of history and the struggle for survival in the aquatic environment. The natural balance assigns them the role of orderlies, leaders with the makings of cunning and ingenuity, not allowing superiority. weed fish in any body of water.

A huge number of different predators live in the ocean. Some marine predators attack swiftly, while others sit in shelter for a long time, waiting for their prey.

Each inhabitant of the ocean is eaten by other marine life, only killer whales and sharks have no enemies.

sharks

The white shark is most likely the most dangerous predator sea ​​depths. People tremble at the very idea of ​​a great white shark.

The white shark - in terms of strength and power, it has no equal among predators in the ocean.

Sharks appeared in the ocean long before humans began to dominate the Earth. There are about 400 species of sharks. But most dangerous shark it is considered White shark. Individuals of this species can reach 6 meters in length, they weigh about 3 tons and have a powerful toothy mouth. There are about 300 sharp teeth in the mouth. The teeth on the upper jaw are triangular, while those on the lower jaw are recurved. The body shape of the white shark is spindle-shaped, the tail looks like a crescent, the fins are large. White sharks live for about 27 years.

But people are not the target. These predators prefer prey with more serious fat reserves. For example, their favorite treats are sea lions and seals. White sharks do not show too much interest in people, because in human body too many tendons and muscles.

As a rule, white sharks attack people for two reasons. The first is that a person, swimming in the water, is associated with a shark with a sick animal that cannot develop sufficient speed, and it is easy to catch it. The second reason is that surfers floating on a board look like other inhabitants of the ocean from the water. And since the shark has quite poor eyesight She can easily be wrong. To understand if the prey is edible, the shark bites it, but sometimes sharks tear people to pieces. It is difficult to predict how this predator will behave. When a shark grabs a prey, it shakes its head in all directions, thus snatching pieces from it.

Anemone is a predatory animal, more like a plant.

Scientists say sharks are ocean orderlies as they eat dying animals.

sea ​​anemones

Anemone is a predator veiled in beauty.

Anemones are representatives of the cnidarians. Anemones have stinging cells that they use as weapons. Anemones reach a height of about 1 meter. These creatures lead a sedentary life. They are attached to the bottom with a foot called the sole or basal disc.

The sea anemone has from ten to hundreds of tentacles with special cells - cnidocytes. In these cells, poison is formed, which is a mixture of toxins. Anemones use this poison during hunting and for protection from predators.

The poison contains substances that affect the nervous system of the victim. Prey under the influence of poison is paralyzed and the predator eats it calmly.

The basis of the diet of sea anemones are fish and crustaceans. For humans, actinium poison is not dangerous, it does not lead to death, but it can cause quite severe burns.

killer whales

- predators of the dolphin family, but they are not at all as friendly as dolphins. They are called killer whales. Killer whales attack almost all marine inhabitants: mammals, fish and molluscs. If there is enough food, then killer whales behave quite friendly with the rest of the cetaceans, but if there is little food, then killer whales attack their own kind: dolphins and whales.

Killer whales are one of the formidable oceanic hunters.

For these predators, the size of the prey does not matter much; killer whales hunt large animals together. If the victim cannot be killed immediately, the killer whale harasses it by biting off small pieces from it. No one manages to stay alive after a collision with killer whales - not a small fish, not a large whale.

A flock of killer whales during the hunt acts very harmoniously. Predators move in even ranks, like soldiers, while each killer whale has a clearly defined task.

When killer whales lead settled life, they feed mainly on crustaceans and fish. And migratory killer whales prefer large mammals, for example, sea ​​lions and seals. Killer whales justify the name of killer whales in the best possible way.

Octopuses

Octopuses are part of the squad cephalopods. These creatures have excellently developed sight, smell, and touch, but they do not hear very well.

Some deep dwellers would love to feast on us, but most are only dangerous if you attack them first. You can call it the principle of "accidentally stepped, poisoned and died." Who should not be attacked in this case?

Portuguese boat - a whole colony of jellyfish hunting others marine life with long venomous tentacles. The base of the "ship" at this time floats on the surface of the water, but it is easy to miss. Every year they poison several thousand people.

Box jellyfish have long been famous as one of the most dangerous creatures off the coast of Australia. Their tentacles, up to 60 pieces, reach a length of four meters. The poison in some of their species can paralyze a person at one touch and make them choke.

Blue-ringed octopuses are as legendary among mollusks as box jellyfish are among cnidarians. These are the most poisonous creatures in all the oceans of the world, the attack of which leads to paralysis and death.

Great white sharks are much scarier on screen than in real life, but that doesn't make them any less formidable predators. At least 74 unprovoked attacks on people have been recorded, including attacks on fishing boats.

Sea snakes are equipped with a stronger toxic venom than their land-based relatives, simply because fish are not as sensitive to poison. Their venom, like all asps, has a paralyzing effect. Luckily for humans, they use their weapons mostly only for hunting, and when handled carefully, they don't bite.

Lionfish do not waste time on spikes, generously exposing them all over the body. They are quite successful in preying on other fish, capturing even territories that are not needed for the survival of their species. Due to their toxicity and prevalence, lionfish are a real headache for fishermen.

Crocodiles mostly prefer rivers, but their largest representative, the combed crocodile, is not averse to swimming in salt water. Males of this species grow up to seven meters in length and two tons in weight. Aggressive specimens often attack people.

Large barracudas are impressive predators, growing up to two meters in length. Their teeth are considered to be among the sharpest and most painful of all the marine world. Barracudas often follow divers out of sheer curiosity, but rarely attack. Indeed, if this happens, then death guaranteed.

Millepores, aka fire corals, are extremely venomous cnidarians with a deceptively harmless appearance. One touch to them will provide a person with a severe burn, which subsequently develops into an ulcer. It is not fatal, but contact can cause pain shock and loss of consciousness.

Warts, they are stone fish, boast not only an outstanding appearance, but also a terrible deadly poison! Extremely painful, too. Their back fin contains 12 sharp spines, each of which is equipped with a separate poison sac. Given the habit of warts to rest in shallow water, step on them and get a dose of poison - just spit.

Barracuda / Photo: wikimedia

Barracuda is a top model tropical oceans: long, up to two meters, thin and graceful. Who would have thought that this beauty is just a killing machine. Barracudas hunt in packs, reach speeds of up to 45 km / h and are definitely not afraid of anyone. Their teeth are shark jaws in miniature.

Barracuda can easily attack a person, but not from evil: in muddy water or in the dark, she mistakes our hands and feet for fish that can be eaten. She is also attracted to shiny objects - watches, knives, tools. Remember, the barracuda is at the top of its food chain, with a hunting record of 50 million years. Deciding to go scuba diving in her domain, be polite and careful.

striped surgeon

Cavity surgeon / Photo: wikimedia

Striped surgeon - very beautiful fish. Small, up to 40 cm in length, she lives in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. On the sides of the fish are yellow-blue stripes, the belly is blue with an orange fin. When you look at it, your hand reaches out to touch it. You should not do this: at the tips of the tail of the surgeon there are plates sharp as a scalpel, which are also poisonous.

Remember there are 1,200 species in the ocean poisonous fish, which affects up to 50,000 people a year. However, dangerous fish compensate for the damage done - they are indispensable in the development of new drugs.

yellow sea anemone

Yellow sea anemone / Photo: cepolina

Don't pick flowers for your loved one at the bottom of the sea. At least because they are not flowers at all. sea ​​anemones similar to a hybrid of a tulip and a peon, reaching a meter in diameter. They live in the tropics and subtropics. In youth, anemones are attached with a "sole" to solid ground and can no longer move. Never mind, they will get you anyway: anemones instantly release tentacles that pierce fish swimming inadvertently nearby. A paralyzing neurotoxin immobilizes the victim. All that remains for the anemone is to drag it to the mouth, intercept it with labial tentacles and eat it. A man, of course, is large enough to become a dinner, but a painful burn is guaranteed to him.

moray eel

Moray eel / Photo: davyjoneslocker

The moray eel is a terrifying underwater snake up to three meters long, with a stone-hard crest on its back. It lives in tropical and temperate waters. It looks like it has a small mouth, but in fact it is able to open its mouth so wide, swallowing the victim, that it simply cannot do it in its cave. Yawning so much that it doesn’t even fit at home is a record.

However, the moray eel does not like to leave the cave, so it does it easier: it has two rows of toothy jaws, and the second row suddenly moves forward to grab the prey that swims past the doors. Like in a horror movie, right? Neighboring fish are aware that on " landing“It’s better not to swim to the eel, so at night he still has to leave the house to hunt.

toad fish

Toad fish / Photo: wikimedia

It is difficult to imagine a creature more ugly than a toad fish. Her huge head is flattened, her mouth is stretched to her ears, and her whole body is covered with growths. Only its small size saves us from fainting: up to half a meter in length and no more than three kilograms of live weight. At the same time, the toad fish is very peaceful: it sits quietly at the bottom, merging with it in color in order to disguise itself, and waits for careless squids and shrimps. Powerful jaws bite through the shells of crabs and oysters with a crunch.

The toad fish guards its territory by making a screech or horn sound and by displaying venomous spikes. Respect personal space - and you will not have problems with it. But as luck would have it, this fish lives in the western part of the Atlantic, including near the "white beaches" of the resort state of Florida. Hundreds of bathers jump out of the water, screaming, stumble upon a poisonous spike, and go straight to the hospital.

Great white shark

Great white shark / Photo: Alamy

The white shark needs no introduction. Even those who have never seen the sea know that this fish is a cannibal. Up to six meters long, it can weigh more than two tons. A person is just a slice of bacon to her. To bite into that slice, the great white shark has 300 teeth immortalized by Spielberg in the movie Jaws.

Luckily, humans don't taste good to sharks. Much more she likes dolphins, seals, seals and turtles. When in the mood, the white shark regales itself with carrion: the carcass of a dead whale is a whole banquet for it. Sometimes she eats other sharks - yes, she is a cannibal, not only because she eats people. It is found in all oceans except the Arctic, but is on the verge of extinction: there are about 3,500 individuals left in the world.

snail-cone

Cone snail / Photo: wikimedia

A small cone snail does not just look harmless - it makes you want to take it home as a souvenir. Particularly noteworthy is the correct conical shape. A careless tourist takes a snail in his hand, and the cone, torn from its familiar environment, begins to defend itself. A poisonous spike is used, which shoots like a dart from the stigma of a snail. The souvenir comes at a high price: the poison of the cone is deadly for humans, and every third victim does not reach the hospital.

The cone has an excellent sense of smell - it is able to follow the trail of the victim for hours. Usually a snail preys on molluscs, or small fish, which, of course, are faster than the cone itself, but slower than its harpoon, capable of hitting a target at a distance of a meter. In times of famine, cone snails without sentimentality eat their own kind - yes, they are also cannibals.

Indonesian needlefish

Indonesian needlefish / Photo: David Doubilet

Everyone knows what a needlefish is: a thin, nimble predator up to 60 cm long, so flexible that it can be tied into a knot. A distinctive sign is the muzzle, elongated in the form of a needle and full of sharp teeth. Some species of needlefish feel great in the Black Sea and quite friendly bypass divers.

The Indonesian needlefish is also quite peaceful - while it is under water. However, she has a habit of jumping out of the water into the fresh air, where she immediately turns into a throwing dagger, only very angry. This is not to say that the needle does this often. But when it does, for the person who has become its target, everything ends in severe injuries or death. The needle digs into the body, easily biting through the artery. It takes a lot of courage for Indonesian fishermen to go out fishing at night - in the dark, lights on boats attract fish and provoke an attack.

combed crocodile

Salted crocodile / Photo: wikimedia

Saltwater crocodile is better known as saltwater crocodile because it lives in salt water. But its most telling name is the cannibal crocodile. This is the largest living predator on the planet - it reaches seven meters in length, and can weigh more than two tons. Lives in estuaries and coastal waters throughout Southeast Asia and Northern Australia, being the most common crocodile in the world.

Saltwater crocodile is extremely aggressive. Huge six-meter males love to arrange fights without rules - fierce fights that end in the death of the enemy. This predator hunts alone, and eats everything it can handle - and it can handle absolutely everything that lives in its range. Another favorite sport is jumping up above the surface of the water. A crocodile can throw almost its entire body out of the water - two tons! - pushing off the tail from the bottom. He is a cannibal - he even eats representatives of his own species, and even snacks on other crocodiles without counting. I don’t even want to remember about human victims: jaws combed crocodile bite people like marshmallows, and it's good if you die quickly.

hairy cyanoea

Hairy cyanoea / Photo: masterok

Cyanea is very similar to the colorful jellyfish that we all feared as children. But people are growing, and fears are growing: it is ten times larger than an ordinary jellyfish. Its "cap" reaches two meters in diameter, and thick tentacles stretch to 30 meters. Another name for cyanide is " lion's mane" - reflects it well appearance. A dense network of poisonous tentacles of a jellyfish perfectly catches medium-sized fish, plankton, and smaller jellyfish. Paralyzed by poison, they become easy prey.

Cyanea is often found in the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic and the Baltic Sea. In one of his stories, Arthur Conan Doyle made a jellyfish a killer of people, securing her notoriety. We are glad to report that this is not at all the case: cyanide is not capable of killing a person, except to inflict serious skin damage on him. If you have a strong wetsuit and enough courage, you can swim with the beautiful sea ​​monster without risk to life.