1. Box Jellyfish
Found in the oceans of Asia and Australia,
the box jellyfish is considered as the most poisonous animal in the world. It
has tentacles covered with cnidocysts that produce nematocysts. As it pierces
through the skin and enters the wound, it will cause blood pressure elevation,
cardiac arrest, and eventually, death upon the victim.
First aid treatment for box jellyfish found
in tropical waters includes rinsing or soaking of the stung body part in
vinegar for 15-30 minutes. For a non-tropical water box jellyfish casualty,
seawater should be applied on the wound, as such can eradicate and the nematocysts immediately. Avoid rubbing the area or applying hot water
or ice.
2.
King Cobra
Also known as the Ophiophagus Hannah, the
king cobra is hailed as the most venomous animal in the world. It comes in
black, olive, or brown, and is usually found in the jungles of China and India.
When threatened, it forms a hood and spits toxin into the eyes of his prey. The
neurotoxin, once injected, will cause a painful sensation. Once it enters the
blood stream, it can result to death if medical intervention is not provided
right away. The poison is so harmful
that 7 milliliters of king cobra venom can kill 20 people, even an elephant.
3.
Marbled Cone Snail
The marbled cone snail is one good proof
that looks can be deceiving. This small animal is definitely terrible, as it
delivers venom that can result in pain, inflammation, tingling sensation, and
numbness. In severe cases, the Marbled Cone Snail venom can bring about vision
and breathing problems and muscle paralysis. There’s no existing anti-venom, so
be careful when you see this animal; it usually thrives in warm saltwater
environments.
4. Blue-Ringed Octopus
Blue-Ringed Octopus (Photo credit:
Wikipedia)
Although the blue-ringed octopus is just as
tiny as a golf ball, it has gained
notoriety as one of the most poisonous animals in the world. Found in the
waters of Australia, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, and Indonesia, this
animal releases two types of poison that come from its saliva. Symptoms of
poisoning caused by the blue-ringed octopus are vision loss, blindness, nausea,
loss of motor skills and respiratory arrest. Because of the lack of antidote
for blue-ringed octopus attacks, immediate ventilator assistance is crucial for
the individual to survive.
5. Death Stalker Scorpion
True to its name, the death stalker
scorpion can launch an attack that can maim a person and lead him to his
untimely demise. Also known as the Israeli Yellow Scorpion, it is commonly
found in North Africa and the Middle East. A Death Stalker Scorpion sting is
painful, and those with allergies or heart problems can easily die from it.
Immediate medical attention is needed in order to prevent respiratory failure
that can ultimately lead to death.
6. Stonefish
The stonefish is one of the most venomous
animals living under the sea. Commonly found in the waters above the Tropic of
Capricorn, this greenish-brown fish is infamous for the poisonous spines on its
back. The sting it delivers causes pain, rapid swelling, and necrosis or tissue
death. Muscle weakness, temporary paralysis, and shock can also take place if
medical intervention is not provided right away.
If stung, immerse the affected area in hot
water and go to the nearby hospital immediately in order to get a shot of
stonefish anti-venom.
7. Brazilian Wandering Spider
Also known as the banana spider, it has been
recognized as the most venomous animal by the Guinness Book of World Records in
2007. Commonly found in banana bunches in South America, the Brazilian
wandering spider has an active venom that contains high concentration of
serotonin, which makes the stinging sensation very painful. It also contains
neurotoxins, which result in paralysis, loss of muscle control, breathing
problems, and eventual death.
The upside: Brazilian wandering spider
venom is considered as nature’s “Viagra” as it results in priapism or an
hour-long erection. Experts are currently working on this poison, hoping that
it can be used in patients with erectile dysfunction.
8. Inland Taipan
The inland taipan is considered one of the
most poisonous serpents in the world. Found in the arid regions of Australia,
inland taipan features venom ridden with protease enzymes and taipoxin. Its
neurotoxin is said to be 400 times more potent than that of other snakes’
venom. While its poison can kill a human in as quickly as 45 minutes, no
fatalities have been documented because of the availability of inland taipan
anti-venom.
9. Poison
Dart Frog
Also known
as the poison arrow frog, it is usually found in the rainforests of Hawaii,
South America and Central America. The poison
dart frog delivers a poison known as batrachotoxin, which is
released through the glands behind its ears and on its back. This neurotoxin
can lead to death as it
blocks the nerve transmission signals to the muscles.
10. Puffer
Fish
Found in the waters of Mexico, Philippines,
Japan, and China, the puffer fish is considered as an exotic
delicacy. While servings of puffer fish can sell like hotcakes for up to $200
each, wrongly-
prepared
dishes can lead to poisoning and death.
The skin,
liver, muscle and gonads of the Puffer Fish contain tetrodoxin, a deadly
poison. When ingested, the individual will experience the
following symptoms: tingling, burning of the tongue
and the mouth, nausea, slurred speech,
headache and impaired coordination. In severe cases, the tetrodoxin
from the puffer fish can lead to hypotension, increasing paralysis,
convulsions, cardiac
arrhythmia, and death.
Now that you
know the most poisonous animals in the world, make it a point to avoid them and their habitats. In case you get bit or stung
by any of these animals, make sure to go seek medical
attention right
away.
SOURCE: O, Pish
Posh! From the absurdly bizarre to the
awesomely inspiring
Follow Opishposh.com on Twitter!
(Photo
credit: Wikipedia)
