See If You Can Identify All of These Dangerous Sea Creatures

By: Khadija Leon
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
See If You Can Identify All of These Dangerous Sea Creatures
Image: Pixabay by Pexels

About This Quiz

The ocean covers more than half of the world's surface and many of the animals that live there are still undiscovered. There is no doubt that it is a beautiful place filled with creatures that almost seem otherworldly. The creatures that we do know of have been studied in depth, and we now know if it is safe to either interact with and/or consume these animals, as well as if they hold any medical significance.

Much like the animals found on land, there are some from the ocean that can be extremely dangerous. Some of the creatures that have been labeled as deadly include animals as large as the great white shark and the Humboldt squid, and animals as small as the Irukandji jellyfish and the Glaucus atlanticus, and seemingly harmless creatures like the stinging hydroid and sea anemone. 

How well do you know the creatures in the ocean, specifically the ones that are a danger to both humans and many of the other animals living there? If you would like to test your knowledge, then this is the quiz you need to take!

lionfish
Pixabay by Skitterphoto
One of these fish has venomous fin rays. What is its name?
Titan triggerfish
Lionfish
Flower urchin
Atlantic cod
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Lionfish is a genus of venomous marine fish that were native to the Indo-Pacific waters but can now be found in different parts of the world. The fin rays of these fish are poisonous and, in some people, the venom can cause vomiting, convulsions and in rare instances – death.

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stingray
Pixabay by rayjo
Which of these fish has a poisonous stinger and sharp barb?
Dragonfish
Electric eel
Stingray
Banded butterflyfish
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Stingray is cartilaginous fish that can be found in tropical and subtropical seas and oceans around the world. They are not very aggressive creatures, but they have been known to attack humans with their poisonous stinger and sharp barb when they feel threatened.

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yellow boxfish
Wiki Commons by Bernard DUPONT
This fish can be found in the reefs of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans. What is it called?
Yellow boxfish
Frilled shark
Dubois sea snake
Bulga whale
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The yellow boxfish is a type of boxfish that can be found in the reefs of the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans. The fish whose bright color fades as it ages releases toxic proteins from its skin when it feels stressed or injured, killing fish in the surrounding waters.

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great white shark
Wiki Commons by Pterantula (Terry Goss)
What is the name of the predator that is responsible for unprovoked attacks on humans?
Pufferfish
Vampire squid
Bearded seal
Great white shark
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The great white shark is a large mackerel shark that can be found in the coastal waters of every ocean. Some of these natural predators can grow to lengths exceeding 15 feet are responsible for the largest number of unprovoked attacks on human beings.

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electric eel
Wiki Commons by National Institute of Ecology
There is an animal on this list that is able to shock up to 850 volts. What is its name?
Big red jellyfish
Electric eel
Lionfish
Swordfish
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The electric eel is an electric fish that is not really an eel but a knife fish. Three of the eel’s organs can produce electricity, which can shock up to 850 volts for a few milliseconds. Although it is not able to kill a human adult, it can cause a painful numbing shock.

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marlin
Rodrigo Friscione / Image Source / Getty Images
Only one of these animals is able to impale other animals. What is it called?
Giant squid
Flamboyant cuttlefish
Marlin
Atlantic salmon
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Marlins are fast swimming fish that have an elongated spear-like snout which is typically hunted in sports fishing in many tropical regions. There have been quite a few incidents where humans have been stabbed/impaled by these animals.

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textile cone snail
Tammy616 / E+ / Getty Images
What is the name of the animal that can be found in the Red Sea, as well as the Indo-Pacific Ocean?
Textile cone snail
Blobfish
Sea slug
Wahoo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The textile cone, also called the cloth of gold cone, is a species of sea snails that can be found in the waters of the Red Sea and the Indo-Pacific Ocean. They are predatory animals whose venom has caused the deaths of a few human beings.

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dubois sea snake
Amit Basu Photography / Moment Open / Getty Images
What is the name of this venomous sea creature?
Dubois sea snake
Coffin fish
Fire coral
Beluga sturgeon
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Dubois sea snake, also called the reef shallows sea snake, is a species of sea snakes that can be found in the waters surrounding Australia, New Caledonia, and Papua New Guinea. It is also one of the most venomous snakes in the world.

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tiger shark
Alastair Pollock Photography / Moment / Getty Images
Which of these migratory animals is responsible for fatal attacks on humans?
Beaked sea snake
Giant isopod
Tiger shark
Pacific halibut
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The tiger shark is a species of migratory sharks that can grow to lengths exceeding 16 feet. Typically found in tropical waters around the Pacific islands, these near threatened species of sharks have the second most recorded fatal attacks on humans.

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pufferfish
Cigdem Uzun / Moment / Getty Images
This creature has large external spines. What is it called?
Stargazer
Pufferfish
Crown-of-thorns starfish
Yellowfin tuna
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The pufferfish, which is also known as the blowfish, is a family of fish that is known to have large external spines and to puff up. Many of the species are among the most venomous animals in the world, and they can cause organ damage if ingested.

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box jellyfish
Dr Peter M Forster / Moment Open / Getty Images
This group of fish has extremely potent venom which can be very painful. What is its name?
Portuguese man-of-war
Chimaera
Marine otter
Box jellyfish
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The box jellyfish is a group of over 50 species, some of which produce an extremely potent venom. The stings from this animal are extremely painful and have been known to be fatal, mostly when stung by the larger species.

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striped surgeonfish
Federica Grassi / Moment / Getty Images
One of these sea animals has sharp spines on its caudal peduncles, which are venomous. What is it called?
Pacific black dragon
Candiru
Striped surgeonfish
Blue marlin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Striped surgeonfish, which is also called the lined surgeonfish, is a species of surgeonfish that have been seen in reefs around the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The fish’s sharp spines, which are seen on its caudal peduncles, are known to be venomous.

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flamboyant​ cuttlefish
Hal Beral / Corbis / Getty Images
This colorful fish's flesh is very toxic. What is its name?
Striped surgeonfish
Ocean sunfish
Dumbo octupus
Flamboyant​ cuttlefish
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The flamboyant cuttlefish is one of the many species of cuttlefish found in the tropical Indo-Pacific waters. Its boldly colored flesh (of yellow, maroon, brown, white, and red) contains acids that make it extremely toxic.

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blue-ringed octopus
Belive... / Moment / Getty Images
One of these fish's venom contains neurotoxins that can lead to paralysis. What is it called?
Anglerfish
Blue-ringed octopus
Flatback turtle
Minke whale
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The blue-ringed octopus is a genus that is made up of four extremely venomous species of octopus that can be found in reefs and pools from Japan, all the way down to Australia. Their venom contains a powerful neurotoxin that can lead to total body paralysis.

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Portuguese man o' war
Jim Simmen / Photographer's Choice RF / Getty Images
Which of these fish is known for its painful stings?
Banded sea krait
Gulper eel
Portuguese man o' war
Stonefish
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Portuguese man o’ war is a marine hydrozoan which can be found in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Ocean. It has very long tentacles that deliver a venomous and painful sting, which is enough to kill a human being.

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flower urchin
Wiki Commons by Bernard DUPONT
Which of these animals delivers an extremely painful sting when touched?
Pacific sardine
Green turtle
Snaggletooth
Flower urchin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The flower urchin is a common species of sea urchin that can be found in seagrass beds and coral reefs in the Indo-West Pacific Ocean. When touched, it can deliver stings, which cause extreme pain that requires medical assistance/treatment.

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beaked sea snake
Pixabay by LeapFrogSwest
One of these animals is responsible for many of the deaths caused by sea snakes. What is it called?
Beaked sea snake
Hatchetfish
Marine iguana
Spotted moray
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The beaked sea snake is a venomous species of sea snakes that can be found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific Ocean. The snake is responsible for more than half of the bites caused by sea snakes, with quite a few of them resulting in death.

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stonefish
Colin Baker / Moment / Getty Images
Which of these venomous fishes delivers an extremely painful sting?
Barreleye
Stonefish
Olive sea snake
Blue Tang
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Stonefish are extremely venomous fish that are known to reside in the coastal water of the Indo-Pacific Ocean. Their stings which are extremely painful and can result in death if not treated. They are usually caused when people accidentally step on them.

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stargazer
ifish / E+ / Getty Images
This fish not only has venomous spines but it is also capable of delivering electric shocks. What is its name?
Grenadier
Stargazer
Basking shark
Leopard seal
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Stargazers are a family of fish whose eyes are located on the top of their heads and can be found in all marine water around the world. They are known for their two large venomous spines, and there are some species that are also able to deliver electric shocks.

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piranha
Pixabay by annca
Which of these animals is known for its extremely sharp teeth?
Dumbo octopus
Scarlett frogfish
Piranha
Blue whale
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A piranha is a freshwater fish that can be found inhabiting the rivers, lakes, and reservoirs of South America. These animals are known for their extremely sharp teeth, which rarely pose a significant threat to human, but there have been reported fatalities in the region.

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moray eel
Michael Nolan / Getty Images
If ingesting the toxins released by it, a person can experience cardiovascular system problems. What is the name of the animal which causes it?
Moray eel
Barndoor skate
Cownose ray
Leafy seadragon
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Moray eels are a family of eels that can be found swimming in waters all over the world. Not only are their bites extremely painful, but some species contain ciguatoxins which, if ingested, can lead to gastrointestinal and cardiovascular problems.

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hammerhead shark
Michele Westmorland / Photodisc / Getty Images
What is the name of this animal known for unprovoked attacks on humans?
Megamouth shark
Stargazer
Pink salmon
Hammerhead shark
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hammerhead sharks are a group of sharks named as such because of their flattened and laterally extended hammer-shaped cephalofoil. They can be found in warmer waters along the coastline where they swim in schools. No human fatalities have been recorded, but there have been some unprovoked attacks.

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Lion's mane jellyfish
Alexander Semenov / Moment Open / Getty Images
Which of these animals' stings can cause pain at the site of contact?
Viperfish
Lion's mane jellyfish
Bull shark
Dugong
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Lion’s mane jellyfish, also known as the giant jellyfish, is the largest known species of jellyfish in the world and can be found in the cold waters of many oceans. Stings from this jellyfish usually cause redness and temporary pain at the site of contact.

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titan triggerfish
Hal Beral / Corbis / Getty Images
One of these fish usually attacks humans during its reproductive season. What is it called?
Blue-banded goby
Fangtooth
Titan triggerfish
Giant manta ray
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The titan triggerfish, also called the giant triggerfish, is the largest species of triggerfish and can be found in reefs and lagoons in the Pacific Ocean. They usually stay away from humans, but females have been known to attack during the reproductive season, with some bites requiring medical attention.

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barracuda
Michele Westmorland / Photodisc / Getty Images
What is the name of the animals is known for biting swimmers?
Queen angelfish
Goblin shark
Barracuda
False​ killer whale
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The barracuda is a ray-finned saltwater fish that can be found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. For many years, they have earned the reputation of being dangerous to swimmers, often biting them, but no fatalities have been reported.

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Humboldt squid
Youtube by BBC Earth
Which of these venomous fish can be found on the Eastern Pacific Ocean?
Killer whale
Great white shark
Lionfish
Humboldt squid
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Humboldt squid, also called the jumbo flying squid, is a large squid which can be found in the Humboldt current of the Eastern Pacific Ocean. They have been known to be aggressive to humans, which people believe manifests during its feeding time.

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yellow-bellied sea snake
Pixabay by MSaldais
This animal has highly potent venom that can cause damage to skeletal tissue.
Great white shark
Yellow-bellied sea snake
California grunion
Red lionfish
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The yellow-bellied sea snake, which is named for its brightly colored underbelly, can be found in all of the tropical oceanic waters except the Atlantic. It has a highly potent venom that can cause damage to skeletal tissue and neuromuscular paralysis.

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Crown-of-thorns starfish
Sirachai Arunrugstichai / Moment / Getty Images
What is the name of the venomous fish that can cause persistent bleeding and pain?
Belcher's sea snake
Lemon shark
Crown-of-thorns starfish
John dory
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The crown-of-thorns starfish is a large venomous starfish that is so named because of the thorn-like spines covering the fish’s upper surface, giving it the appearance of the crown of thorns from the bible. The spines perforate the tissue of predators and unsuspecting persons which can cause persistent bleeding and stinging pain.

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saltwater crocodile
Joao Inacio / Moment / Getty Images
One of these animals is a reptile that can survive in both fresh and saline water. Which one is it?
Saltwater crocodile
Textile cone snail
Marbled electric ray
Fin whale
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The saltwater crocodile, informally called saltie, is one of the largest living reptiles with males reaching lengths exceeding 20 feet. They are predators who can live in saline habitats and have been known to attack a variety of animals including humans and sharks.

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fire coral
Giordano Cipriani / Photodisc / Getty Images
Which of these marine organisms is often mistaken for seaweed?
Tiger shark
Chilean jack mackerel
Nurse shark
Fire coral
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Fire coral is a genus of marine organisms that are closely related to hydrozoans rather than coral but is so named due to its physical characteristics. Often mistaken for seaweed, contact with it causes intense pain that can last from days to weeks.

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bull shark
Ken Kiefer 2 / Image Source / Getty Images
There is an animal on this list that can be found in shallow coastal waters. What is it called?
Stonefish
Bull shark
Porcupine ray
Humpback anglerfish
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Bull sharks are requiem sharks found in warm, shallow coastal waters around the world. Known for their aggressive nature, they can live in both fresh and salt water, and the larger ones are the usual culprits of the near-shore shark attacks on humans.

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irukandji jellyfish
Wiki Commons by Jan Bielecki
What is the name of this tiny venomous fish?
Longsnout seahorse
Pacific angelshark
Flower urchin
Irukandji jellyfish
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Irukandji jellyfish is an extremely venomous species of box jellyfish that has an approximate size of one cubic centimeter, making it the smallest and most venomous jellyfish in the world. It is found only in Australia, and symptoms of a sting include hypertension, vomiting, tachycardia, and in some cases death.

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leopard seal
Pixabay by BoutiqueBreizh
Which of these animals is a top-order predator in Antartica?
Guineafowl puffer
Box jellyfish
Leopard seal
Scalloped hammerhead shark
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The leopard seal, also called a sea leopard, is one of the largest species of seal found in Antarctica. They are top-order predators that have been known to stalk and attack humans, although they are rare.

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sea anemones
Pixabay by ddouk
One of these animal's tentacles contains cnidocytes that cause​ paralysis of its prey. What is it called?
Gray seal
Clown triggerfish
Moray eel
Sea anemones
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sea anemones are predatory marine animals from the Cnidaria phylum. They are seen adhered to rocks, rarely changing their position, and swing with the water. Their tentacles contain cnidocytes with venom known to paralyze its prey.

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sea wasp
Humberto Ramirez / Moment / Getty Images
This animal is known as the most lethal of its kind. Which of these animals are we referring to?
Harp seal
French angelfish
Barracuda
Sea wasp
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The sea wasp is a species of box jellyfish that many have referred to as “the most lethal jellyfish in the world” as it is responsible for over 60 deaths within 12 years. Found in coastal waters from Australia to Vietnam, its powerful venom can cause death within two to five minutes if left untreated.

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Blue-spotted ribbontail ray
Wiki Commons by Jens Petersen
Which of these creatures is known for its striking color pattern?
Southern stingray
Blue-spotted ribbontail ray
Saltwater crocodile
Shovelnose guitarfish
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The blue-spotted ribbon tail ray is a species of stingray that can be found at depths of 100 feet in the tropical Indian and the Pacific Ocean. Known for its striking color pattern, the ray has venomous tail spines that it uses when it feels threatened.

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sea nettle
Pixabay by Republica
What is the name of the animal that can cause a painful rash if touched?
Whale shark
Tasseled​ wobbegong
Sea nettle
Hourglass dolphin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Atlantic sea nettle is a species of jellyfish found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans. Their tentacles are covered with cnidocytes, which upon contact eject a venom-coated filament into its targets. In humans, it causes a painful rash.

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glaucus atlanticus
Wiki Commons by Sylke Rohrlach
Which of these animals is also known as the blue sea slug?
Glaucus atlanticus
Stingray
Tiger shark
Narwhal
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Glaucus atlanticus, also called the blue sea slug, is a small pelagic slug known for floating upside down and its unique blue pattern. They feed on venomous creatures storing the venom for their own protection and handling of the slug can cause very painful and sometimes dangerous stings.

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stinging hydroid
Wiki Commons by Bernard DUPONT
One of these organisms is also referred to as fireweed. Which of these is it?
Zebra shark
Needlefish
Stinging hydroid
Flashlightfish
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Stinging hydroid, sometimes called fireweed or stinging seaweed, is a marine organism found in clumps on coral and rocky reefs all over the world. When touched, they cause blistering of the skin and rashes.

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old wife
Mathieu Meur/Stocktrek Images / Stocktrek Images / Getty Images
Which of these fish is endemic to the coastal waters in Australia?
Northern red snapper
Common dolphinfish
Striped surgeonfish
Old wife
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The old wife is a species of fish endemic to the coastal waters surrounding Australia. Studies on this fish indicated that while there is no venom groove or gland, the bony, knife-like spines can inflict painful venom on its targets.

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