Dangerous Marine Creatures of Phuket

Who lives at the bottom of the ocean? In the Andaman Sea, thousands of different fish and all kinds of underwater creatures live not only on the ocean floor but also beyond. Not all of them are friendly, and some can even be dangerous to humans. In this article, we will tell you which of them you should truly be wary of.

Shark

About 30 species of sharks inhabit the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean. In remote areas at great depths, there are even giant whale sharks, while near the shores you are more likely to encounter less aggressive and dangerous reef sharks.

There’s no need to fear sharks in Phuket: encountering them in tourist areas is extremely rare. Over many years, there have been no recorded cases of shark attacks on humans in Phuket.

Only a few small shark species can be found in Phuket’s coastal waters. Sharks may pose a potential risk to divers or snorklers. However, even in these cases, shark attacks occur only when provoked by human actions. A shark may attack only if it has been disturbed or its natural behavior has been interfered with.

Sea urchin

Sea urchins are most commonly found around the islands. They tend to stay away from the shore, living on corals and between rocks, but sometimes waves carry them closer to the coast. In the photo, some daring adventurer is holding a sea urchin in their hands, but we do not recommend trying this yourself.

The spines of sea urchins contain venom that is not highly toxic but rather causes significant pain.

In addition, their spines are incredibly thin and sharp, often breaking off right under the skin.

If you step on a sea urchin, you will feel a sharp pain and burning sensation, followed by redness and swelling of the affected area. Generally, the concentration of sea urchin venom is low and not dangerous to humans, but in rare cases, it can cause anaphylactic shock and a severe allergic reaction.

If there are no serious complications, you may not need to seek medical attention and can provide first aid yourself. Examine the puncture site: if spines are still embedded, try to remove them with sterile tweezers or dissolve them using a vinegar compress. You can also soak the wound in hot water for 30–60 minutes. To treat the affected area, you can use chlorhexidine, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or vodka.

Moray eel

This eel-like fish differs from others in that, instead of scales, it has smooth, thick skin, and its body is covered with mucus. Moray eels use this feature to launch instant, silent attacks on their prey while hunting.

This fish will not deliberately attack humans, but if disturbed, it will latch on with its double jaws in a vice-like grip, much like a bulldog. The moray eel itself is not venomous, but it can accumulate toxins from the fish it eats. Additionally, its mucus can cause skin irritation or a burning sensation.

You may encounter this fish while snorkeling or diving — and if you do, it’s best to retreat quickly. Give the moray eel space and avoid poking it with your finger or any objects. This fish has poor eyesight and may mistake anything that disturbs it for a potentially dangerous predator, prompting it to attack first.

Lionfish

It’s best to avoid this beautiful-looking fish as well — its sting causes very painful sensations, and a sufficient dose of its venom can lead to serious health problems.

The lionfish is easy to recognize by its beautiful striped fins. It inhabits coral reefs. In its natural state, this fish is very calm and not aggressive at all, so it won’t attack humans. However, we do not recommend testing its patience.

The lionfish releases its toxic venom through its dorsal fins. Its sting can cause nausea and serious breathing problems. Although a single dose is not enough to be fatal, people with congenital respiratory issues may die from temporary bronchial spasms.

Jellyfish

This marine creature is the most commonly encountered in Phuket. It’s best to avoid touching jellyfish. A sting from a single jellyfish won’t cause much harm, but if you find yourself in the middle of a swarm, you risk getting multiple stings and even losing consciousness.

Contact with a jellyfish can cause a sting, irritation, and even blisters. If you’ve been stung by a jellyfish, rinse the affected area with salt water and apply ice; if necessary, take ibuprofen or paracetamol. The most important rule is not to scratch the sting site.

Physalia or Portuguese man o’ war

Venomous physalias, also known as Portuguese man o’ war, are the most poisonous jellyfish in the world. They are predators, hunting small fish and crustaceans with their tentacles. Sometimes they get washed ashore, but under no circumstances should you touch them—they are extremely dangerous to humans.

People who have experienced a Portuguese man o’ war sting describe it as feeling like a strong whip lash. A burn appears on the skin, and the venom begins to spread through the body, worsening the condition with each passing minute.

If you’ve been stung by a physalia, you should remove the tentacles from your skin using an object, not your hands. Do not rinse the wound with vinegar: a physalia sting is different from that of other jellyfish, and the only thing you should do is seek medical help as soon as possible.

Scorpionfish

This fish often camouflages itself among coral reefs, and to encounter it, you need to swim quite deep. The body of the scorpionfish is covered with venomous spines that contain toxic venom. In some species, this venom is deadly to humans — a large dose can cause respiratory failure. Unfortunately, there is no antidote for this venom.

This fish attacks completely unexpectedly; however, it has little interest in humans unless it is specifically disturbed or provoked into aggression.

Stonefish (wartfish)

This fish inhabits coastal waters where there are rocks or coral reefs. However, during a storm, it can be washed ashore, and there’s a chance of stepping on it in murky water, as it perfectly mimics the appearance of a stone.

The stonefish has 13 spines on its back, each containing venom. Stepping on it causes immediate sharp pain, sometimes so intense that it can lead to loss of consciousness. If the venom enters a major artery, it can be fatal.

First aid after contact with a stonefish involves applying a pressure bandage or a tourniquet to stop the bleeding. It is crucial to seek medical help as soon as possible, as antivenom will be required.

Sea snake

In Thailand, there are over a hundred species of snakes, and some of them live in the sea. They usually hide in underwater caves or rock crevices. Snakes rarely appear in coastal areas, as there is no food for them there.

Sea snakes are less aggressive than land snakes, and their fangs are set farther back. However, if you happen to encounter a sea snake, try to avoid making sudden movements. Even highly venomous snakes will not attack unless provoked.

How to avoid encounters with dangerous marine creatures

• Avoid swimming at night! This is when most marine creatures start hunting and come closer to shore.
• Swim only in designated areas. The chances of encountering dangerous marine life are much higher on wild beaches.
• Avoid swimming in areas with many reefs, corals, and rocks near the shoreline. These are the preferred hiding spots for many marine creatures. Also, avoid swimming right after a storm, as the waves may have washed unexpected “guests” closer to the shore.
• Do not touch marine creatures you don’t recognize. Even if it’s a beautiful fish, it may only appear harmless.
• Always wear full gear when diving or snorkeling and don’t neglect specialized footwear!

Be сareful! It’s best to observe exotic tropical fish and sharks in designated areas. Visit our Entertainment section, where you can find the best Excursions and Zoo Parks. The bravest can go Diving with an experienced instructor or try Deep-sea fishing.