The deep sea isn’t the only place you can find terrifying aquatic creatures. Though they may seem less intimidating, ponds and streams are often inhabited by some pretty bizarre and dangerous animals, too.
Here are 12 freshwater animals that you probably wouldn’t want to encounter anytime soon.
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Piranha
A classic. Piranhas inhabit South American rivers and are known for their vicious tendencies. Although attacks on humans are rare, they are certainly not unheard of. With their razor-sharp teeth and powerful bite force, you'll want to stay clear of these monsters.
Sawfish
They are called sawfish for a good reason. Their fearsome weapons are actually used for chopping up other fish. Although they don't attack people unless provoked, these animals could easily give you more than just a paper-cut. Sawfishes can be marine, but they can also be euryhaline, meaning they move between freshwater and marine conditions.
Electric eel
Technically they aren't eel, but knifefish. These creepy creatures live in freshwater habitats such as the Amazon Basin and, producing voltages of up to 600, can produce enough electricity to seriously harm a human. If you happen to be swimming in the Amazon for some reason, keep an eye out.
Tigerfish
Tigerfish are mainly found in Africa, although they are present in South East Asia and South America. Although generally they are not considered dangerous to humans, one species —the Goliath tigerfish — has been reported to eat people and small crocodiles. Scary stuff.
Nile crocodile
Surely the Nile crocodile needs no introduction. They'll eat pretty much anything from fish to large mammals like zebras, hippos, and yes, humans! You do not want to be swimming near these. Luckily you won't find them in your backyard ... unless you live in Florida.
Snakehead
A bizarre one for anyone terrified of snakes. This fish is aptly named due to its similarities with the slithery reptiles. These freshwater fish are present in Africa and Asia, with around 35 described species. They can survive outside of water for up to four days while breathing air!
Mata Mata
Cute or gross? Turtles usually get away with 'cute', but there is no doubt that mata mata is bizarre in its own way. These shelled swimmers inhabit South America, including the Amazon Basin.
Pangasius
The pangasius is a shark catfish that hangs around fresh and brackish waters in southern Asia. They are not actually sharks, but they get their common name from their elongated and triangular dorsal fin. If you see a dorsal fin in the water, cross your fingers and hope that it's just a catfish.
Diving Bell Spider
One of the very few spiders to spend almost it's entire life underwater, the diving bell spider is found all the way from northern Europe to northern Asia, and is known for spinning 'diving bells', which they spend most of their time in. These bells are used for many things, including catching prey and raising offspring.
Freshwater stingray
Imagine walking into the water and you're swept off your feet. No, prince charming isn't serenading you. It's the stingray you woke up from a nap. While they aren't particularly aggressive or dangerous most of the time, their poisonous 15-inch long stinger still makes them pretty scary.
Candiru
An absolutely terrifying species. Why, you ask? Also known as the vampire fish, this bloodsucking animal, native to the Amazon Basin, is the subject of some horrific stories. There was a documented case where a candiru found its way into a man's urethra, apparently jumping up whilst he urinated. These bloodsucking catfishes would be more than enough to keep us out of the water.
Giant Salamander
And finally for a true river monster. Many people would not believe that this ancient-looking amphibian even exists. The largest species, the Chinese giant salamander, can reach lengths of up to 5.9 feet, making them the largest amphibians in the world. A single species of giant salamander lives in the USA, and the rest are confined to China and Japan. Although no risk to humans, their sheer size and unique appearance would make them pretty terrifying to come across by accident.
