Great Barrier Reef - Dangerous Sea Creatures You Should Be Aware Of
The Great Barrier Reef is a very popular destination for lots of reasons. Just a few of those reasons is the fact that a) it's the largest living thing in the planet, b) the largest sand island is located here, Fraser Island, c) it has the best diving spots in the world, d) it's half the size of the state of Texas, and the Great Barrier Reef hotels [http://www.greatbarrierreefhotels.org] and resorts will cater to your tour needs as well as liveaboards.
Of course it's but natural that you would find sea creatures at the Great Barrier Reef. However the sea creatures that you can find here are very diverse and many species of animals and plants exist here in water and land.
Some of the water creatures here have the high potential of hurting you when you touch them accidentally or otherwise. It's best that you get to know them before venturing into the water and learn about them first hand.
The first in our list are the so-called Stingers. The box jellyfish is one of the deadliest in the animal kingdom and they are found near the shores of the Great Barrier Reef during the rainy season. It's tentacles carry the strongest venom that you will be considered lucky if you survive it's sting.
The key here is when you get stung by one, you pouring vinegar or peeing on the spot reduces some pain but the person should be given emergency assistance as soon as possible.
The irukandji is another jellyfish that carries lots of poison on its tentacles that can be life threatening depending on the exposure and no medical assistance is given. They are the opposite of the box jellyfish because they are smaller and found in deeper waters.
There also fish that have the potential to sting a diver or swimmer, the Stonefish and the Lionfish. If you see one, don't touch it though you find these very attractive to prevent getting punctured by their venomous spines.
The only poisonous octopus in the world, reside at the Great Barrier Reef. It is called the blue ringed octopus due to the rings that cover it's body which glow when they feel threatened.
This creature can be seen on rock pools, if you find it attractive resist the temptation to pick it up or it would bite you with it's sharp beak.
You might think sting rays are cool creatures, but watch out because their graceful bodies have tails that has a barbed spine.
Even some shells at the Great Barrier Reef are not as safe as they are thought to be. The cone shells are one of those that are found on rock pools, step on them and they'd fire a dart at you that contains high amounts of venom that can kill a human being.
Another dangerous creature group at the reef are those known as biters. Examples are sea snakes which will bite when they feel threatened they are relatively safe though if you stay clear of their path.
Although shark attacks are rare it's best that when you participate in shark feeding sessions, you always take to heart the instructions of your diving master.
How to be safe then? Follow the "No touch policy" no matter how beautiful they'd look like. During stinger season, wear 'stinger suit' and lastly, listen to reef education sessions because they will no doubt contain valuable lessons that will keep you safe from harm.
Of course it's but natural that you would find sea creatures at the Great Barrier Reef. However the sea creatures that you can find here are very diverse and many species of animals and plants exist here in water and land.
Some of the water creatures here have the high potential of hurting you when you touch them accidentally or otherwise. It's best that you get to know them before venturing into the water and learn about them first hand.
The first in our list are the so-called Stingers. The box jellyfish is one of the deadliest in the animal kingdom and they are found near the shores of the Great Barrier Reef during the rainy season. It's tentacles carry the strongest venom that you will be considered lucky if you survive it's sting.
The key here is when you get stung by one, you pouring vinegar or peeing on the spot reduces some pain but the person should be given emergency assistance as soon as possible.
The irukandji is another jellyfish that carries lots of poison on its tentacles that can be life threatening depending on the exposure and no medical assistance is given. They are the opposite of the box jellyfish because they are smaller and found in deeper waters.
There also fish that have the potential to sting a diver or swimmer, the Stonefish and the Lionfish. If you see one, don't touch it though you find these very attractive to prevent getting punctured by their venomous spines.
The only poisonous octopus in the world, reside at the Great Barrier Reef. It is called the blue ringed octopus due to the rings that cover it's body which glow when they feel threatened.
This creature can be seen on rock pools, if you find it attractive resist the temptation to pick it up or it would bite you with it's sharp beak.
You might think sting rays are cool creatures, but watch out because their graceful bodies have tails that has a barbed spine.
Even some shells at the Great Barrier Reef are not as safe as they are thought to be. The cone shells are one of those that are found on rock pools, step on them and they'd fire a dart at you that contains high amounts of venom that can kill a human being.
Another dangerous creature group at the reef are those known as biters. Examples are sea snakes which will bite when they feel threatened they are relatively safe though if you stay clear of their path.
Although shark attacks are rare it's best that when you participate in shark feeding sessions, you always take to heart the instructions of your diving master.
How to be safe then? Follow the "No touch policy" no matter how beautiful they'd look like. During stinger season, wear 'stinger suit' and lastly, listen to reef education sessions because they will no doubt contain valuable lessons that will keep you safe from harm.
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