Florida's Marine Life: A Deep Dive Into Its Complexities

Florida Is Home to Dangerous Animals!

Unequivocally, there is no place I'd rather be than in Florida, where I was born and lived most of my life on the beaches. As a water baby and adventurer, I can swim, snorkel, and dive in the saltwater that surrounds two-thirds of its peninsula. Still, I watch for Florida's dangerous saltwater creatures because we share the same space. And it is their home I am visiting, so it pays to be savvy as I enjoy one of my greatest pleasures. I would not live in any place besides Florida.

As we were collecting shells and exploring the life that lived under the blue-green waters of Florida, we learned about and how to respect the sea residents.

How I Learned My Lesson

We were lucky to enjoy some beautiful private strips of secluded beaches that did not have lifeguards, so we swam at our own risk. which was lacking in good judgment on our part. However,we enjoyed our own private fun in the sun on the beach. That is, until my Daddy discovered where we had gone and said goodbye to the fun and our private beach in the sun.

But that did not stop us from traveling to other beaches with my convertible top down.

With all the beauty we found below the surface, we wanted gills implanted so we could stay forever. However, our paradise below the surface had some marine life that we needed to be aware of and respect their boundaries. I accidentally stepped on jellyfish more than once; the feeling is not one I relish experiencing again.

Beach Safety Tips for Kids & Adults – The American Red Cross

Deadly Florida Animals

We watched for any unfriendly or dangerous creatures. To stay safe, it is best not to touch any strange animals, shells, or plants. Remember, we are the underwater visitors as we invade their territory!

From my own personal experience, here are creatures that you should be aware of when you are in Florida waters!

Alligators

Alligators' courtship begins in April and runs through May and June.

People floating down the river in tubs or canoes should be very careful during this time. Florida is beautiful but can be a dangerous place. Be aware when you are around or in the water. I would not float down the river until I checked with a game warden first.

Always be prepared and do not always trust a float rental business about the safety of the area. A game warden is easy to call. Do your due diligence and then have fun in the Florida sun.

Although alligators cannot live in saltwater for long periods of time, experts say the animals can survive for more than a few hours or a couple of days at the most. Always be aware of your surroundings and what creatures you are sharing the water with every time you enter.

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Barracudas

Barracudas are audacious and curious creatures that are dangerous to humans. They will assault swimmers, divers, or snorkelers. Their size varies from small to up to six feet. They are found in warm tropical seawater.

However, we have found them in creeks, ponds, and in the hammocks of Florida, so beware in freshwater as well. These are fierce-looking creatures with long, sharp teeth, and they are not afraid of humans.

In the sea or freshwater, do not wear anything shiny. It attracts them, and they think it is feeding time. A lifeguard once told Marti and me years ago not to wear anything shiny because it fascinated sharks, so we left our jewelry at home.

Blue-ringed Octopus

The attack of this tiny creature can prove deadly, and there is no known antidote for it.

While the various colors are beautiful, never touch them and keep your distance. Blue-ringed octopuses can camouflage their skin color and show off their bright fluorescent rings when they become confused or angry.

Florida sightings report instances of the blue-ringed octopus, so it is wise to use caution and not to touch any creatures of the sea.

Box Jellyfish

Boxes of Death, commonly known as Box Jellyfish, are a chief risk for divers, swimmers, and snorkelers. These jellies have killed more humans than sharks, crocodiles, and stonefish combined.

These jellyfish are so fragile that even a tiny shrimp might rip through their delicate bodies, so their only defense is a powerful poison. Jellyfish do not hunt for their food but rely on nourishment to collide into their tentacles. Box Jellyfish are fast swimmers and can swim up to 8 feet per minute.

A box jellyfish has 60 tentacles that are five feet in length and are organized into four clusters at the corners of a box-shaped bell. The bell could be as large as a volleyball. Its tentacles have up to 5 million stinging nematocysts. They have 24 eyes and are the most well-known jellyfish for having the closest brain to any other jellyfish.

Annually, in late summer, the mature box jellyfish spawns at the mouths of rivers before dying. In the spring, these polyps burst into tiny jellyfish that travel down rivers into beaches where people enjoy the saltwater, unaware that these cute jellyfish are hazardous.

Cone Snail Sea Shells

The snail that occupies the pretty cone shells transports a deadly toxin capable of killing humans; capable of killing 700 people to be exact.

Some call them the silent assassins, drugging sleeping fish before injecting their poison.

The good news for humans is that the cone snails hunt at night and are mainly found (per the current data) in Australia and tropical waters.

However, we know that species known for specific zones migrate to many places, so wear thick-soled shoes when walking in saltwater.

There are over 600 known species, so one can never be too careful.

Crown of Thorns Starfish

Crown of thorns Starfish have thorns (sharp spines) surrounded by poisonous skin, and if a human becomes pierced with one or inserted and it breaks off, it will cause vomiting and swelling. Get emergency treatment right away!

These starfish are a significant danger to our reefs as they are coral eaters and have been a major menace to the Great Barrier Reef for years.

In some areas, divers harvest them to spare our coral reefs.

Irukandjis

The Irukandjis are a relative of the box jellyfish, but not as deadly. These jellyfish are tiny and are seen more in the summertime months.

If stung, it can cause one’s blood pressure to rise dangerously. However, there is no recorded data for Irukandjis being responsible for any deaths. The sting is minor, but after 20 minutes or more, the victim can develop severe pain, lasting for hours.

Never ignore a sting! Get out of the water at once since it can affect your diving ability if not taken care of immediately.

Lionfish

Lionfish have invaded the Atlantic Ocean from the data collected in the past two years. Their poisonous fin rays are hazardous to swimmers, fishermen, divers, and snorkelers. If pricked by a lionfish, one can experience vomiting, dizziness, heart failure, and even death.

Many divers harvest the lionfish as they are dangerous to humans and other species. It is an ongoing challenge to keep our beaches and reefs free of them.