One of the Deadliest Fish Assassins on the Ocean Floor

January 12, 2012 Aron No comments

Apparently, cone snails are one of the deadliest fish assassins on the ocean floor, despite being so slow and peaceful-looking.

Fish-eating Conus geographus or Cone Snails, are the most venomous and largest known genus of invertebrates. They eat molluscs, worms or fish, which they catch using “harpoon-like” spears that are loaded with a venom containing up to 200 different toxins.

If it gets near a sleeping fish, it will release chemicals to paralyze it. Then it will open its mouth and literally stretch its body until it engulfs the whole thing, finally killing it using a venomous barb.

The barb releases a neurotoxin more powerful than cyanide and it’s capable of killing humans (in fact, there have been many reported cases). The venom contained in one of the most dangerous species, the Conus geographus, can kill 700 humans… There is no antivenom, and treatment involves providing life support until the venom is metabolised by the victim.

I love how the fish wakes up at the end…like WTF?