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Venomous and Dangerous Marine Animals

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Abstract

A variety of different life forms arose throughout evolution. An important aspect for survival was defence and food supply. Protection was provided by camouflage or by defensive mechanism. Some animals developed venom or poison, so they became unattractive as prey. Some fish have spines, which contain venom; some other animals have poison within the body to make them unattractive for consumption. Especially sick, weak animals or carrion are preferred prey. By this, nature on the one hand is cleaned up, and on the other hand, it guarantees “strong, healthy” animals to survive and reproduce. At the end of the food chain are predators like sharks, barracudas and humans who are benefiting from marine food sources. A variety of marine animals could harm divers by their venom, electrocution or biting. But mainly carelessness is putting divers at risk. Either unintentional touching of venomous fish or provocation of marine life is a major cause of injuries by marine animals. But even if divers behave prudently, injuries and envenomation may occur.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Townsville, Queensland, Australia

    Olaf Rusoke-Dierich

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  1. Olaf Rusoke-Dierich
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Rusoke-Dierich, O. (2018). Venomous and Dangerous Marine Animals. In: Diving Medicine. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-73836-9_29

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-73836-9_29

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-73835-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-73836-9

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