If you thought the only creature to look for when scuba diving, snorkeling, or swimming in the ocean was sharks, think again. Here’s a look at some bottom-dwelling marine life that’ll have you carefully watch where you put your toes underwater.
Types of Bottom Dwelling Sea Creatures
Stonefish
Easily one of the most poisonous creatures in the Ocean, the stonefish is a master of disguise and can often be spotted covered in sand on the sea bed. Found in the coastal reefs along the Indo-Pacific regions, stonefish secrete potent neurotoxins from the base of their dorsal fin spine, which is highly lethal to human beings. Camouflaging itself perfectly with its surrounding reef, this creature has been the leading cause of so many unsuspecting divers getting stung, which is extremely painful and can cause tissue death, shock, and paralysis.
Stingrays
Although not in the same league as stonefish, stingrays are something to look out for, as you don’t want to step on them. They possess stings, and while they generally do not attack aggressively and only if threatened, their primary reaction is swimming away. However, a defensive response causes it to whip up its stinger, often when attacked by predators or stepped on. Even then, if stung by a stingray, it is rarely fatal. If stung in the lower limb region, it will most likely just be a cut causing pain, swelling, and muscle cramps from the venom or even an infection unless it hits the upper body, a major artery, or causes a very deep puncture.
Crocodile Fish
Aptly named for resembling a crocodile, this unusual-looking flathead species is closely related to scorpionfish and stonefish. Native to the western Pacific region including the Philippines, Borneo, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Palau, and even Indonesia, the crocodilefish is a mottled brown or green and grey color, ideal for camouflaged with their habitat on a sandy or rubble sea bed. Unlike actual crocodiles, though, divers who come across a crocodile fish have little to worry about as the fish often remains very still, even if humans approach them.
Rosy-lipped Batfish
The rosy-lipped batfish is more amusing than anything, which is why it makes this list. Found near Cocos Island off the coast of Costa Rica, it’s very similar in look and behavior to the red-lipped batfish found around the Galapagos Islands. This unusual-looking fish looks like it’s trying to pull off the Marilyn Monroe look with its bright red lips. To top it off, it is amusing to see them “walk” on the ocean floor using their pectoral fins as if they were modeling.
Monkfish/Headfish
Known more for its presence on menus, monkfish are found in the northwest Atlantic region. They are somewhat similar in shape to the anglerfish but completely unrelated. The creepy and ugly-looking fish can grow to more than 5 feet long, although they are more commonly seen around 3 feet. The texture of the tail meat of this fish is sometimes compared to lobster tail and has been alluded to as the “poor man’s lobster.”
