Fish are one of the most beautiful and at the same time dangerous creations of nature. Below is a list with photos of the ten most dangerous fish in the world. We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with the rating of the largest freshwater fish on the planet.

10 Lionfish Zebra

Lionfish zebra - predatory fish that live in the tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans - off the coast of China, Japan and Australia. They are one of the most beautiful fish in the world. Their body length is about 30 cm, weight reaches 1 kg. The lionfish has long ribbons of dorsal and pectoral fins, in which sharp poisonous needles are hidden. The injection with this needle is very painful. A sharp pain is followed by a deterioration in the condition, which ends with paralysis of the skeletal and respiratory muscles. If the victim is not immediately pulled ashore, he will drown.

9 Electric eel

The electric eel is a fish (despite the name) that inhabits rivers in the northeast South America and tributaries of the Amazon. They are found in countries such as Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela. The average length of adults is 1–1.5 m, the largest known specimen reached almost three meters in length. Average weight - up to 20 kg (maximum - 45 kg). An electric eel is capable of generating a discharge of current with a voltage of 300–650 V and a force of 0.1–1 A. Such a voltage is not capable of killing a person, but it will be very painful.

8 Big tiger fish

Big tiger fish- a species of large freshwater predatory fish that lives in central and western Africa, in the basin of the Congo and Lualaba rivers, as well as in lakes Upemba and Tanganyika. This fish grows up to 1.5 m in length and reaches a weight of 50 kg. In the Congo, there have been cases of attacks by large tiger fish on humans. According to local residents, this is the only fish that is not afraid of crocodiles.

7 Bagarius yarrelli

Bagarius yarrelli is a species of large fish found in the rivers of South Asia. They are found in countries such as Bangladesh, India, China (Yunnan Province) and Nepal. It grows up to 2 m in length and weighs over 90 kg. In three villages on the banks of the Sarda River in Nepal and India, between 1998 and 2007, cases of attacks by these fish on people were recorded, which often ended in death.

6 Brown snakehead

The sixth place in the list of the most dangerous fish is occupied by the Brown Snakehead - a species of large freshwater predatory fish living in the waters of Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and India. Grow in length up to 1.3 meters and weigh up to 20 kg. They are quite greedy and aggressive. Prey is ambushed.

5 Wart

In fifth place in the list of the most dangerous fish in the world is the wart - predatory sea ​​fish with venomous spines on its back. The average length of the wart is 35–50 cm. It lives in coral reefs at depths of about 30 m in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is considered the most poisonous fish in the world. Its venom causes severe pain, shock, paralysis and leads to tissue death. For humans, a large dose of poison can be fatal.

4 Common vandellia

3 Piranha

Piranha - freshwater predominantly predatory fish (more than 50 species) that live in the rivers and reservoirs of South America. Reach a length of up to 30 cm and a weight of up to a kilogram. Approximately 30–35 species of piranhas feed on aquatic plants and fruits that have fallen into the water, and 28–30 species typical predators. They have powerful jaws with sharp teeth. They attack fish and other animals, including humans. The structure of the lower jaw and teeth allows piranhas to snatch large pieces of meat from prey. A flock of piranhas in a few minutes is capable of completely destroying an animal weighing about 50 kg.

2 Brown puffer

The brown puffer is a species of marine fish from the pufferfish family. They live in sea and brackish waters northwest Pacific Ocean. Grow up to 80 cm in length. Its insides (especially the liver and ovaries) are extremely poisonous and contain tetrodotoxin, which, even in small doses, is deadly to humans. Despite this, it is from this fish that the traditional Japanese dish Fugu is most often prepared. Between 2004 and 2007, 15 people died and about 115 people were hospitalized after eating the delicacy.

1 Mackerel hydrolic

The most dangerous fish in the world is the mackerel hydrolic or "vampire fish" - a species of predatory fish that lives in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins in Venezuela. They can grow up to 117 cm in length and weigh 17.8 kg. The most famous feature of the vampire fish is its aggressiveness and two long fangs protruding from the lower jaw. These fangs can reach a length of 10–15 cm. The mackerel hydrolic feeds on almost any fish that smaller size, including piranhas and their own kind.

For many of us, the shark is the most terrible fish, but in addition to sharks, other no less live in the seas, oceans, rivers and lakes. dangerous fish. With the most dangerous slaves, a meeting with which may end far from the best way, we will be introduced to this post.

Sawfish rays

These huge creatures can reach a length of 7 meters and weigh more than 2500 kg! In ancient times, people used the image of this huge stingray as a monster for legends. In fact, saw-winged rays are quite safe as they are very shy. But you should stay away from them, because a sharp nose can really cut a person in half.

brown pacu

Brown pacu are found in the fresh waters of South America. Outwardly, the fish is very similar to piranha, and for good reason, since it is its distant relative. However, unlike piranhas, brown pacu can reach a height of about a meter and weigh about 40 kilograms. A feature of this species are teeth, surprisingly similar to human ones. Thanks to their powerful jaws, pacu can kill almost any creature that gets into the water. But it is worth noting that without a reason they rarely attack a person.

Olive catfish

Well, who is afraid of catfish? This fish is often caught by people in order to decorate our table later. However, olive catfish are a fairly large representative. They reach a length of 160 cm and weigh up to 60 kilograms. These catfish are really caught for the sake of eating them, however, due to their large size, such a fish becomes a deadly adversary to humans. There are cases when it was people who became dinner for her.

Mackerel hydrolics

Another name for this fish is payar. This species also lives in South America, in particular, in the fresh waters of Venezuela. Their distinguishing feature- huge fangs and insatiable voracity. Mackerel-like hydrolics easily destroy and eat piranhas and animals that have fallen into the water. The fish is aggressive, but rarely attacks people. However, there are people who paid with their lives for the interest in fish.

catfish wallago attu

These catfish live in the waters of Asia, India and Afghanistan. In size they exceed even olive catfish, and from time to time they like to attack bathing people. That is why it is not recommended to relax near untested water sources, and especially not to swim in them.

European anglers

Another name for this fish is monkfish. Very often caught for sale and personal consumption. This hulking fish is a master of disguise and feeds mostly on other fish. However, we do not recommend getting into the field of view of the monkfish. Few will be able to escape unscathed from the terrible jaws.

Atlantic giant groupers

From time to time, we see reports about groupers in programs about environment and the underwater world. This representative of waterfowl creatures is really very entertaining. In fact, the grouper is a huge perch that lives in the ocean, which can reach a weight of 200 kilograms. Many divers like to be photographed next to a huge grouper, however, the fish themselves rarely like it, so many risk-takers have an expressive reminder of a fateful underwater meeting on their bodies. And some people could not survive after meeting with the ocean perch.

surgical fish

This beautiful tropical fish reaches a length of up to one meter. They do not have terrible teeth or poisonous needles. However, their tails are sharper than a razor. It is strongly not recommended to swim in the water where these wonderful creatures live, as the recovery will be long and painful.

Tiger fish Goliath

This fish is no safer than a shark, and its character is as unbearable as that of piranhas. This is one of the most dangerous freshwater fish in the world, which has huge sharp teeth. The largest representatives of the Goliath are found in the Congo River.

You have no idea how terrible fish can be. Meet the most dangerous water monsters living on our planet.

There are fish whose teeth are sharp as a razor blade, and they can be no less dangerous to humans than, for example, a lion or a crocodile. Such monster fish live not only in the depths of the ocean, but also in freshwater rivers and lakes, and even in shallow water. Therefore, when entering an unknown body of water, especially somewhere in the tropics, you should not lose your vigilance.

1. Pacu fish

This fish can reach one meter in length and weigh about 25 kg. Its teeth resemble human ones in shape, but if this fish bites you, it will not seem enough to you. This monster lives in the rivers of the Amazon, but after the permission of sport fishing for this species, it has spread to the waters of North America and Asia.

In 1994, there were two deaths among fishermen in New Guinea. They were found with their teeth completely riddled with blood loss. It was not immediately known which animal attacked the men, however, as it turned out later, it was the Pacu fish that did it.

This creature, similar to a mixture of snake and fish, is found in the Amazon and the rivers of South America and, when danger or prey appears, strikes its victims. electric shock at 600 volts. Such a discharge is quite enough to kill a person.

In appearance, this fish resembles a real monster with a terrible set of small and sharp teeth. Its weight can be 30 kg, and a big-headed fish can reach 2 meters in length. The monster lives in the ocean and disguises itself among the sea rocks.

When attacked, the big-headed fish opens its huge mouth and bites its teeth into the body of the victim. A soccer ball can fit in the mouth of a fish, which it can easily swallow. It is unlikely that a person will be able to escape from the attack of such a marine predator; there is a danger even of being swallowed whole, since the size of the stomach, this terrifying fish, almost equal to the length of its body. There were cases that human remains were found in the stomachs of these fish.

4. Tiger fish

Tiger fish or goliath is a real monster and a ferocious predator among the inhabitants of freshwater reservoirs. This fish can reach a weight of 50 kg, and its huge sharp teeth can easily tear the victim to shreds. The bloodthirsty monster attacks and eats animals that have fallen into the river and will not refuse to attack a person. Basically, this fish lives in African reservoirs, especially in the Congo River and Lake Tanganyika.

5. Catfish Bagarii

This catfish is also called gunch fish, lives mainly in the Kali River, which is located between India and Nepal. This is a man-eating fish, it is the main culprit of the disappearance of people on the river. The weight of a catfish can reach up to 140 kg, and it can attack even with a crowd of people.

But the people themselves are to blame for the fact that the fish is addicted to human flesh, as the locals, according to ancient customs, send half-burnt bodies of the dead along this river on their last journey after all Indian rites.

6. Payara fish

Payara fish or mackerel-like hydrolic simply strikes the boundaries of human imagination - this is a vampire fish, a real Count Dracula in the form of an aquatic inhabitant. The monster grows up to one and a half meters long and can weigh about 14 kg. The length of his lower fangs can reach 16 cm. A uses his payar fangs, knowing exactly the location internal organs victims. Therefore, a careless person bathing in the rivers of the Amazon can receive a fatal bite from this terrifying fish. She will clearly sink her teeth right into the heart or lung, thereby killing her victim at once.

7. Stone fish

The wart or stone fish is one of the most poisonous fish in the world. This marine fish is a master of disguise among coral reefs. She disguises herself as a stone, sprinkling herself with sand from the bottom, and awaits her prey. Of course, this fish will not be able to eat a person, but it is easy to kill.

Since this fish is very similar to a stone and it lives mostly in shallow water, a person can step on it, for which he will receive a dose of deadly poison. The worst thing is that there is no antidote for the poison of a stone fish, and a person dies in terrible agony, since the poison does not act with lightning speed, but for several hours. This fish is common in the waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, as well as in the shallow waters of the Red Sea, so our tourists have a real chance to meet this monster, for example, on a popular holiday in Sharm el-Sheikh or Hurghada.

8. Snakehead fish

this dangerous predatory fish first seen in Russia in the rivers on Far East and Primorsky Krai, as well as in Korea and China. But today, snakeheads can also be found in water bodies of other countries. He is not picky in food and eats all living inhabitants of the rivers, as well as amphibians. On average, a fish can weigh 10 kg, but there were individuals that reached 30 kg. If a person is bitten by such a fish, then it can cause serious injury.

9. Wandellia fish

This fish lives in the waters of the Amazon and is terrible for a person with its size, no matter how paradoxical it sounds. Vandellia feeds on flesh, and due to its size (maximum 2.5 cm in length and 3 mm in thickness), it can enter the human body through the ureter or anus and eat the flesh from the inside, bringing torment and suffering to its victim. This fish swims on the smell of blood and urine, as these are its food sources. But fortunately, such cases are very rare.

10. Piranha

A small and terrible piranha has in its arsenal trapezoidal sharp teeth that allow you to tear off pieces of flesh in a matter of seconds. Her teeth sink into flesh as easily as a warm knife cuts through butter. These fish reach a maximum length of 30 cm, but they swim and attack in packs, and in a very short period of time, for example, only bones will remain from a cow carcass. If a flock of these gluttonous and bloodthirsty fish attacks a person, most likely, he will not be saved.

11. Hedgehog fish

This fish is notorious for being highly poisonous, with colossal amounts of tetrodotoxin in its skin, intestines, and ovaries. This substance, entering the body of the victim, affects the brain, causing paralysis and then death. Therefore, this fish is better not to eat. However, in Japan, a dish made from fugu fish, which is a type of hedgehog fish, is considered a delicacy. But it is prepared by professionals who for many years have learned how to properly cut fugu so that the poison does not poison the meat. But without experience, on a dish, you can serve death to a person along with fish.

12. Sawfish

The huge sawfly stingray is dangerous with its long nose, on the sides of which there are razor-sharp processes. Just like that, a seven-meter stingray will not attack a person, however, he has a heightened sense of territorial defense and very poor eyesight, so if a person is in the wrong place at the wrong time, then the stingray will let his saw in with all his might and turn his victim into minced meat . The danger also lies in the fact that this river monster is perfectly camouflaged and sometimes you can notice it too late. However, this species is under the threat of extinction due to the poisoning nature of human activities.

13. Guas fish

Compared to guasa fish, all other representatives are just small fish. Guasu is not without reason called the "Atlantic giant gooper", because its size is terrifying. This fish weighs about 450 kg, and its mouth can be up to 5 m long. Such an instance, like a great white shark or giant catfish, can completely swallow a person at one time.

Electric eel is a fish from the hymniform order, the only species of the genus Electrophorus. Despite the resemblance, it is not related to real eels. They inhabit the rivers of the northeastern part of South America and the tributaries of the middle and lower reaches of the Amazon.

Interesting in the structure of electric eels are the electric organs, which occupy about 4/5 of the length of the body. The eel generates a discharge with a voltage of up to 1300 V and a current of up to 1 A. The positive charge is in the front of the body, the negative one is in the back. Electric organs are used by eels to protect themselves from enemies and to paralyze their prey, which are mainly small fish. There is also an additional electric organ that plays the role of a locator. Electrocution of an adult electric eel able to stun a horse.

The tiger fish is the most dangerous fish in Africa. This is a predator with large sharp 5 cm teeth and dark vertical stripes on the body. They hunt in packs for large animals, destroy prey in a couple of seconds. Two largest species this fish is an ordinary tiger fish, which reaches a mass of up to 15 kg and lives in the rivers of Africa: Lualaba and Zambezi; Tiger goliath fish, which reaches up to 2 meters in length, more than 50 kg in weight and lives in Lake Tanganyika and the Congo River

Piranha is the most dangerous fish in South America and the whole world due to strong sharp triangular teeth, powerful jaws and group hunting. Piranha is found in the Amazon basin, and is also common in the Orinoco and other South American freshwater rivers. There are more than 60 species of piranha, most of which grow up to 50 cm in length, weighing an average of up to 1 kg. Piranhas attack crustaceans and other fish and are dangerous to humans. These predators come out to hunt in schools of about 100 fish to catch large prey. A flock of piranhas destroys an animal weighing 50 kg in a couple of minutes. These ferocious aggressive predators are also capable of killing deadly fish and even whales. The bite force of a piranha is 25-30 times its body weight. Piranha stings cause severe bleeding and pain.

Candiru penetrates a person and extends the short spikes on the gills to gain a foothold inside the organs and suck up blood. This leads to inflammation, hemorrhage and even death of the victim. Fish is difficult to remove from the body, even with surgery.

More than 20 thousand species of fish live in the waters of the world's oceans, in continental reservoirs and rivers. Among all this diversity, there are predators that hunt other fish and marine animals, and there are also poisonous ones that pose a danger to all living things, including humans. The most famous aquatic predator that attacks people is a shark, but for the sake of completeness, other most dangerous killer fish are presented in our review.

To begin with, we will present 10 little-known marine killers according to the site, and the sawfish stingray opens the list. It can be easily recognized by the outgrowth on the head, which is covered with uniform teeth on the sides.

Stingrays grow with a long nose up to 7 m in length. Such giants, equipped with such a "saw", are a potential danger to humans, because when they meet in the water, they can easily inflict a mortal wound.

Previously, they were an object of fishing, but now, in order to preserve the species, their capture is strictly regulated, and in some countries it is prohibited.

A freshwater fish that lives in the rivers of the Amazon basin, a distant relative of the piranha. They grow more than 1 m in length, and in the mouth there are a number of sharp square teeth, very similar to human ones.

They usually keep pacu alone, feeding on plankton,. Adults eat insects and fruits with pleasure. With their teeth, they easily crack the shell of nuts.

Fish with human teeth does not bite, but tears the body of the victim. In 2011, a fatal attack on two fishermen was recorded.

Olive catfish

Despite such a harmless name, this is a large freshwater fish. It grows up to 1.5 m in length. At the same time, their weight reaches from 50 to 60 kg.

Catfish living in the rivers of the Northern and Central America, are predators, devouring other fish, insects and freshwater. Their meat is highly valued in cooking, and catfish are actively caught.

Around the world, there have been cases of attacks of large catfish on people, so olive catfish fall into the category dangerous inhabitants rivers and reservoirs.

A large fish from the stone perch family is also called guasa. They grow up to 2.5 m in length, and weigh more than 200 kg.

Due to its size, the Atlantic giant grouper can prey on octopuses, sea ​​turtles. The diet includes crustaceans and other types of fish. But, the grouper fish is not the highest predator, and easily becomes a victim of barracuda, moray eels, large sharks.

There have been cases of attacks on scuba divers, which, given the size of the fish, sometimes leads to death.

The mackerel hydrolic lives in the waters of the rivers of Latin America, and eats any fish that is smaller than it.

On the lower jaw of a dangerous predator there are two sharp fangs that grow up to 10-15 cm. Because of this feature of the structure of the jaw, it is often called a vampire fish. With these fangs, she pierces the victim, attacking her from above.

Payara itself grows up to 120 cm in length. Among fishermen, catching a payara is considered a great success, as it is considered one of the most elusive freshwater fish.

Longhorn sabertooth

An ancient fish lives in tropical and subtropical latitudes of all the oceans of the planet, and because of their appearance, saber-tooths are considered themselves scary fish world ocean.

Quite a small fish. Adults grow up to 18 cm, but have a very intimidating appearance. This predator has a large head, and massive jaws are equipped with sharp, protruding fangs.

With fangs, saber-tooths easily tear the victim, and they hunt crustaceans, small fish and squid. At the same time, they themselves are forced to flee from other predators who are not afraid of appearance creepy fish.

Catfish lives in the rivers of Latin America, growing up to 2.7 m in length. In a huge mouth are sharp teeth, slightly bent inward so that the victim does not break out.

This is the largest catfish in the waters of South America. Despite the danger, avid fishermen hunt for a large predator, but often the fight ends not in favor of a person.

Piraiba terrifies all the inhabitants of the river, unexpectedly attacking its victims from the depths of the muddy bottom. Cases of attacks on people sometimes end tragically, so the huge catfish is rightfully included in the category of cannibals.

brown snakehead

The habitat of a predator from the family of snake-headed fish is the rivers and freshwater reservoirs of Southeast Asia. You can recognize it by its characteristic elongated cylindrical body.

They have a large, slightly flattened head, and their mouths are equipped with rows of sharp teeth. Individual specimens grow up to 1 meter in length and weigh up to 20 kg. An amazing fish can easily tolerate a lack of oxygen.

During the hunt, the brown snakehead hides in the algae, and from an ambush attacks its prey. Handles easily big fish, amphibians and invertebrate inhabitants of the rivers.

This large predator lives in the rivers of South and Southeast Asia, and is divided into two large populations. Since ancient times, people have been eating catfish meat.

Acting as a valuable object of fishing, he himself is not averse to hunting. Eats other inhabitants of the rivers, and the study revealed that 90% of the food is of animal origin.

Fishermen love to boast, and some say they have caught catfish that are over 1.8 meters long. But zoologists refute such claims, believing that the largest specimens of Asian catfish do not grow more than 1 meter.

Big tiger fish

An inhabitant of the rivers and reservoirs of Africa is considered one of the most dangerous freshwater predators. The wide mouth has sharp fangs, and they call it "tiger" because it attacks other fish, animals and humans.

In total, in the mouth, like a person, there are 32 sharp teeth, with which she literally tears the victim. They grow in length up to 1 m 80 cm, and a meeting with such a monster does not bode well.

Local tribes catch the predator, using it in cooking various dishes. European anglers go to the Congo River to replenish their trophies with a dangerous predator.

Notable killer fish and venomous species

The poisonous inhabitants of the deep sea are also among the dangerous ones. Poisoned, and floating in the warm waters of tropical seas, these are the most unusual fish in the world. Usually they are distinguished by bright coloring, as well as an unusual body structure.

Scorpio

The ray-finned fish is also called the sea ruff, and it lives in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Some species can be found in the Mediterranean and Black Sea.

On average, they grow no more than 30 cm. The scorpion has spikes that are covered with poisonous mucus. They hunt at night, and during the day they spend time at the bottom, easily disguising themselves as the color of stones and coral reefs. They kill their victims with poison.

Poison, getting into the human body, causes severe swelling. The place where the scorpion stings becomes very inflamed, causing severe pain to the victim.

Sea Dragon

The thunderstorm of the Mediterranean resorts has a rather aggressive disposition, although it leads a secretive lifestyle. In addition, the fins of dragons are supplied with toxic poison.

It has a variegated color and is easily camouflaged in shallow water. Stepping on such a dragon, a person receives a portion of poison. There is a strong swelling of the limb, blue. Sometimes there is paralysis, damage to the respiratory system and the work of the heart.

This is the defense mechanism of a small fish, but even a dead sea dragon must be handled carefully so as not to be pricked by the sharp dorsal spines with poison.

Barracuda

This predator is a frequent guest on Discovery Channel programs and BBC science fiction films. They live in tropical latitudes, preferring to swim near the surface of the water.

They usually live in large flocks. So they feel more confident, not at all embarrassed by the presence of a person. They feed on other types of fish, squid and shrimps. They attack at high speed, tearing off large pieces of meat from the victim.

There have been cases of attacks on a person, but all this was in muddy water when barracudas mistook human limbs for fish.

Piranha

It's time to introduce the most dangerous aquatic predators, among which piranhas occupy a special place. They live in large flocks and pose a danger to all living things both in the water and in the coastal zone.

Cases of attacks on humans are very rare, due to the shyness of the fish. They are very voracious, and prefer to live only where there is a large abundance of fish. The main weapon of the piranha is sharp teeth, as well as speed and surprise when hunting.

Despite the fact that they are dangerous predators, they themselves often become victims. For example, they become easy prey for caimans.

White shark

Fish with a huge mouth and rows of sharp teeth is considered the most dangerous among all the inhabitants of the deep sea. In coastal areas, shark attacks on people are often recorded, often ending in human death.

Scientists attribute the attacks to the curiosity of the fish, as it bites everything that floats in the water - surfboards, oars and other objects in the water. But be that as it may, the shark is a great danger.

Cases of attacks by a dangerous predator on single boats and small vessels on the high seas have been recorded.

And this table shows the regions in which the attacks of all types of sharks on people most often occur. As you can see, the leader in this sad list is the United States.

And in our article about the most posted on the site, you will also find an annual summary of the attacks of these dangerous fish.

Finally

Our description of the dangerous inhabitants of the seas and oceans is over, and now, as they say, we know the enemy by sight. Forewarned means protected. Turning to the statistics, you can see that from 90 to 120 shark attacks on people are recorded annually. On average, every fourth such attack ends in the death of a person.

TopCafe editors are waiting for your comments about the most dangerous fish in the world. Perhaps you have interesting stories about encountering similar animals.