5 Most Venomous Animals
In my attempt to not work on the two monster papers I have due on Tuesday, I have taken to googling the world’s most poisonous animals. I’m not sure why. Maybe I have a secret wish to get bitten by one and not write these papers. I found this blogger called Chris’s article on the five animals he’d like least to be bitten by, and for some reason I find them so funny (and interesting) that I am sitting in the library snorting laughter uncontrollably, which sounds disgusting because my nose is stuffed from allergies, and I’m sure it’s the reason these randos are looking at me like I have seven heads. They’re really not that funny, but I’m pretty amused. Anyway, I have decided to copy-paste what I think is funny (and interesting) about his opinions, and I’ve added taxonomic genus names and pictures because I am just that bored.
5. The Stonefish (Synanceia)
“The stonefish or dornorn is officially considered the most venomous fish in the world. It takes its name from the fact that, well, it looks like a stone. The nasty part of the stonefish is on its dorsal fins. There is where you’ll find a row of spines filled with a toxic venom. The venom hurts so much that some people who’ve been stung have wanted the limb amputated. It can cause shock, paralysis, tissue death, and even fatalities if not treated within a few hours. The stonefish has at least one beneficial use. It’s a very expensive sashimi called okoze in Japan.”
4. Blue-Ringed Octupi (Hapalochlaena)
There are three species of the blue-ringed octopus, all of which live in the Pacific. The octopus usually stays camoflauged, waiting to prey on its preferred dinner of small crabs and shrimp. Provoke it though, and it’ll quickly turn yellow and show off its bright blue markings. Then it will sting you and you’ll die. Ok, you might not die, but the tiny octopus carries enough venom to26 adults in its body. The most dangerous effect of its venom is respiratory failure.
3. Inland Taipan (too lazy to look up the taxonomy - DIY)
The inland taipan’s nastiness can probably be inferred by its other name, the fierce snake. It’s the most poisonous snake in the world, with a single bite containing enough venom to kill up to 100 adults. It can kill you in less than 45 minutes. Fortunately for you, I doubt you spend too much time wandering the deserts of central Australia. Even more fortunately, there are no actual documented human fatalities. The snake is particularly timid, won’t bite if left alone, and there’s an antivenom. So wander around the Australian deserts with confidence, secure in the knowledge that only several dozen other animals might kill you.
2. Brazilian Wandering Spider
While the venom is potentially fatal (only 1/3 of all people bitten have died), the worst thing the Brazilian spider can cause would probably only make you die of embarrassment. The venom can cause priapism, an erection that won’t go away and might actually cause impotence.
1. The Box Jellyfish
The box jellyfish or sea wasp is probably more dangerous than any of the other animals on this list. They’re not technically jellyfish, though they look a lot like them to me, but they are arguably the most venomous creature in the world. Tiny nematocysts on the animal’s tentacles contain the powerful venom and stick to their victims. Of all the creatures on this list that could sting me, I would fear this one the most. Its venom is so painful that there are several reports of people who passed out from the pain but kept screaming long after losing consciousness. They also kill more people per year, mostly in Australia, than any other animal on this list. Since records started being kept in 1884, it’s killed more than 5500 people. If you’re ever stung by one of these jellyfish, you’ll probably not be able to remember any tips. Here are a few anyway. Vinegar, due to its acetic acid content, will prevent any more venom from releasing into the bloodstream and should be applied to affected areas and any remaining tentacles immediately. If you can make it to the shore, not always a given when stung by one of these creatures, you might make it as there is an antivenom. Probably the best thing you can do to avoid stings, besides not swimming in box jellyfish infested waters of course, is to wear pantyhose. Seriously. A thin layer of nylon, such as pantyhose, will prevent the stingers from attaching to your skin and hurting like the dickens. Some men would think it girly to wear pantyhose at the beach, but if it’s good enough for Joe Namath I figure it’s good enough to save me from immense pain and death.
For the full article, go to http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/offbeat-news/the-worlds-5-most-venomous-species/697
