Image: Wikimedia Commons
Some of the most deadly animals in the world pack a secret weapon: highly venomous fangs, teeth and stingers that can immobilize and kill attackers and prey.
Not to be confused with poisonous animals (which deliver their toxins when touched or eaten), venomous animals actually inject toxic chemicals directly.
Keep in mind that many factors go into determining just how venomous an animal is – including the level of toxicity in their venom, how they deliver these toxins and just how much damage they’re likely to cause.
Stonefish
Image: Flickr
These fish aren’t particularly great to look at and you probably don’t want to go near them either. Considered the most venomous fish in the world, stonefish carry 13 spines on their backs that release potentially deadly venom (see below). Symptoms include intense pain, paralysis and tissue death. Human accidents often occur when people accidentally step on stonefish hiding among rocks or coral, though thanks to antivenom, most cases don’t result in death.
The Brazilian Wandering Spider
Image: Wikimedia Commons
As their name suggests, these spiders have a tendency to wander around at night. They often finding themselves in human territory, where they hide in houses and cars during the day.
In addition to intense pain, their venom can have an odd effect: erections that last for hours and can lead to impotence!
Cone Snail
Image: Wikimedia Commons
They might look small and harmless, but cone snails contain venom powerful enough to kill a human. All cone snails are venomous, but the larger ones that hunt fish that pose the greatest danger. They use a modified dart-like tooth called a radula to inject their prey with paralyzing venom before devouring it. Human deaths are rare but not unheard of, with 36 cases on record.
Black Mamba
Image: Wikimedia Commons
While they’re not the most venomous, Black Mambas are often considered one of the most deadly snakes in the world. These long and especially fast snakes can move up to 12.5 mph and deliver enough venom in a single bite to kill 10 people!
This species thrives in eastern and southern Africa, and prefers rocky areas and savannas.
Deathstalker
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Also known as the yellow scorpion, this venomous arachnid can be found primarily in the Middle East and North Africa.
It is one of the few species of scorpion that is actually deadly to humans. A deathstalker’s venom contains highly toxic chemicals which cause intense pain and can result in paralysis, coma, and death — particularly in small children and the elderly.
Funnel-web spider
Image: Wikimedia Commons
This Australian arthropod holds the Guinness World Record for being “the world’s most venomous spider.” Their venom is deadly to humans, though no deaths have been recorded since the development of antivenom.
Still, their bites are extremely painful and can cause severe symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, hypertension and unconsciousness.
Blue-ringed Octopus
While the bright blue rings decorating their body might be fun to look at, these octopuses are not to be messed with.
When provoked, they’ll deliver a quick and painless bite that contains a deadly venom which has no known antidote. The toxins can paralyze and kill their victims.
Inland Taipan
Image: Wikimedia Commons
The inland taipan is considered to be the most venomous snake in the world, based on the level of toxicity. It can reportedly deliver enough venom in one bite to kill 100 adult men.
While it’s often called the “fierce snake,” it’s actually much less deadly than its cousin — the coastal taipan — since it’s reclusive and has little contact with humans. But that doesn’t mean it won’t attack; when provoked the inland taipan will stun its victim with a succession of quick bites loaded with deadly venom.
Australian Box Jellyfish
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Box jellyfish aren’t a single species, but actually a class of jelly known for their cubed-shaped bodies. Some species pack more of a punch than others, but according to the national Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Australian box jellyfish is the most venomous marine creature in the world.
Perhaps the most frightening thing about box jellies is that their venom is sometimes so painful it can send humans into shock and cause heart failure within minutes — before they even have time to swim back to shore!
