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Dangerous Australian
Water Creatures
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There are many ‘dangerous’ species in Australia, particularly in its waters. HOWEVER, although they can look ferocious and often have a deadly potential, accidents rarely happen. If the average tourist goes ‘off the beaten track’ he is more likely to get lost than attacked by an Aussie nasty. It is considerably more dangerous to drive your motor vehicle on a busy road than it is to have a swim - as long as common sense prevails! Following are some of our cuddly creatures! |
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Three of Australia’s better known dangerous creatures do live in or near water - sharks, crocodiles and jellyfish – and all can be quite easily avoided. Amongst the sharks, are the Great White, Tiger Shark, Bull Shark and Grey Sharks with the Great White representing a real potential danger. It is found in the Southern Ocean but sharks are sighted in most seas and sometimes do come in close to the beach shore. Of the 350 or so shark species, only 30 are considered potentially dangerous and only 12 are potentially aggressive and dangerous.
However, to keep things in perspective, there are 300 times more drownings reported annually than fatal shark attacks! |
It is generally recommended to swim at lifesaver patrolled beaches and swim between the flags. If a shark is sighted, the surf lifesavers will clear the beach. Another potential risk at the beach can be getting caught in a rip. The best procedure is to calmly swim across it rather than against it and all will be well. |
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Crocodiles are very aggressive, fast, powerful and territorial. Saltwater crocs living in river estuaries are larger and more aggressive than their freshwater cousins. Additionally, they can attack on land and run extremely quickly. Considered the most venomous of sea creatures are the Chironex or Boxfish or Deadly Sea Wasp. They are found in the warm waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans and of the 70 report deaths all have occurred in northern Australia between November and April. Other creatures that can be territorial and somewhat dangerous (particularly during mating seasons) are sea lions and moray eels. Octopus and squids don’t usually attack people but may just be playful or defending themselves. The bite of the Blue Ring Octopus may be painless but this animal injects a neuromuscular paralyzing poison which is more violent than any other land animal and is often deadly and Giant Squids, living in the great ocean depths, can be extremely aggressive. A very nasty creature to avoid at all costs is the Stonefish which is the most venomous fish known. Looking very much like a
stone, it is perfectly camouflaged. It is up to 30 cms (12 inches) in length and is only dangerous if caught or trodden on. If not treated, the stings of their dorsal spines can be deadly. |
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Other nasty ‘customers’ include Stingrays (the barb of one recently responsible for death of Steve Irwin (the Crocodile Hunter)Scorpionfish, Catfish and Surgeonfish. |
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Added to these are Cone Shells (400 species), Crown of Thorns, Sea Snakes (87 species) some of which contain a poison 20 times stronger than that of a cobra, Sea Urchins, Sponges, Sea Worms, Portuguese Man of War, Fire Coral and Stinging Seaweed. That’s about it – see, nothing to worry about!
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