Although most species in the
Red Sea pose no threat to humans, there are a few notable exceptions.
Biting and wounding fish
The
tiger shark is considered to be one of the most dangerous sharks to humans.[1] Although it is found in the
Red Sea it is not usually seen near reefs during the daytime.
The
Grey reef shark is territorial and may be aggressive, and has been involved in non-fatal attacks on divers.[2]
Moray eels such as the
Giant moray are only occasionally aggressive; most bites result from divers putting a hand into the hole in which the eel lives.
Surgeonfishes have sheathed or fixed blades at the base of the tail which can inflict deep wounds (the yellow stripe on the
Sohal tang pictured).
Stinging and venomous fish
The spines on the back of the
Stonefish are
venomous and can penetrate a rubber-soled shoe. The fish is extremely well
camouflaged and care should be taken to avoid stepping on it. The
venom can be fatal.[3]
Lionfish such as
Pterois miles have stinging spines which rarely inflict a fatal wound but which may be extremely painful.
Scorpionfish have venomous spines similar to those of the
stonefish, and although the
venom is less deadly it may still prove fatal.
The dorsal, pelvic and anal fins of the
Rabbitfishes have venomous spines, capable of inflicting painful wounds.
Stingrays have sharp detachable spines at the base of the tail, capable of causing severe wounds. Pictured is the
Bluespotted ribbontail ray.
Poisonous fish
Pufferfish, including this
masked puffer accumulate a
neurotoxin called
tetrodotoxin in their skin and internal organs. This toxin is extremely potent and has been responsible for many fatalities.[2]
Ciguatera poisoning is a danger posed by fish at the top of the food chain, in particular the
Twinspot snapper and
Giant moray. These fish accumulate a
toxin produced by a
dinoflagellate which is eaten by their prey species.
Ciguatera poisoning can be fatal.
Cone shells house
molluscs which use a venomous
harpoon to kill their prey. The
venom causes
paralysis which may lead to death. These shells should not be picked up if there is any chance the organism is still alive.