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Four of the deadliest sea creatures of the Philippines photo by Ajith Kumar (via Creative Commons)

Four of the deadliest sea creatures of the Philippines

by : Nicole Brown posted :

When on your diving or snorkeling tour in the Philippines you're rarely on guard as you're soaking in the beauty of the gorgeous marine life. But these four creatures, all of which are abundant throughout the country, will give you a reason to be extra careful during your underwater adventure.

As a rule of nature, if the animal is colourful, eye-catching and interesting, chances are it is also lethal. But when you're underwater, it’s these very things that you're wanting to see and snap photos of so it’s a definite catch 22.

Just remember, when you're diving, you're a visitor, not the conqueror and many animals call the oceans home. So make sure you and your dive buddy come up with a plan before your next underwater adventure.

  1. Barracuda photo by Elias Levy (via Creative Commons)
    Barracuda

    Barracuda

    This fish is so fierce that it even has its own song. A natural hunting machine, barracudas can swim up to 25 miles an hour. They also have razor-sharp teeth that they use to shred their prey. Quite beautiful, their long, thin silver bodies reflect light and they look as if they're dancing in the water until they dart towards their prey. During diving trips, these are very easy to come by as barracudas feed on the very same colorful fish you're looking to observe. In general, schooling barracudas are harmless to divers and snorkelers but watch out for the lone wanderer as it may be hunting. Just keep your distance and be careful; don't follow them or they may become aggressive towards you.


  2. Striped surgeonfish photo by Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble (via Creative Commons)
    Striped surgeonfish

    Striped surgeonfish

    This beautiful fish gets its name from their spines that are at the base of the tail on both sides of their body as these spines are shaped liked scalpels. Once threatened, they will move their tails revealing these "scalpels" and lacerate their attacker. They can grow to be 22 inches long and they enjoy swimming in shallow waters near coral reefs.

    There are many different types of surgeonfish but the striped one has a venomous spine. You're safe as long as you don’t grab one so best to stay away from this looker on your next dive and observe from a distance.


  3. Blue-ringed octopus photo by Ajith Kumar (via Creative Commons)
    Blue-ringed octopus

    Blue-ringed octopus

    This octopus may fit in the palm of your hand but don't let that fool you. Like pufferfish and cone snails, the blue-ringed octopus creates tetrodotoxin, a powerful toxin, which it uses in self-defence. A fun fact is that this toxin is actually created by the bacteria in the octopus' salivary glands and not produced by the octopus by itself per se. This toxin is lethal to humans as 1 milligram can kill a person. And as of date, there is no known antidote.

    Aside from this tetrodotoxin, these octopi also create a second toxin that they use to hunt crabs. This second toxin, conversely, is harmless to humans. In rest, these octopi have a golden brown hue and when provoked, their signature blue rings appear and flash as a warning sign. These beautiful creatures are non-aggressive and naturally shy. Just remember to give them their space and don't get too close when snapping photos.


  4. Textile cone snail photo by Richard Ling (via Creative Commons)
    Textile cone snail

    Textile cone snail

    If you're a new diver, it can be difficult to equalise your balance with your BCD but knowing that this little guy is in the sand may give you inspiration to keep your fins off the ocean floor. The textile cone snail is not only one of the most venomous snails on the planet but is also one of the most venomous animals, period. These snails use their toxin during feeding. They capture their meal by using their hollow teeth and then rapidly stabbing their prey while injecting it with the toxic venom.

    Make sure to educate your kiddies about this snail as well as most human attacks happen when innocent beach-goers try to snatch the beautiful textile shell as a keepsake.


Ready to brave the ocean waves? Contact us at Uncharted Philippines and we'll help you book a memorable diving adventure to Anilao, the Visayas, or Tubbataha.

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