10 of the World's Weirdest Fish
The oceans are home to some of the strangest creatures known to man. Below are some of the world's weirdest fish.
10. Fangtooth
Fangtooth fish have a dreadful appearance! They also have disproportionate teeth that make them even more frightening. They have small eyes set high above their heads. In spite of the scary looks, the fangtooth fish is harmless to humans. Its habitat is about 5,000 meters below the sea. It dreads light and so the only tie it appears close to the water surface is during the night.
9. Whitemargin Stargazer
Also known as the pop-eye fish, one may cite the whitemargin stargazer buried in the sand with only the eyes and mouth showing. It uses this habit to catch its unsuspecting prey for food. The weirdest thing about the stargazer is that possesses electric organs in its body. As a result, it can discharge about 50 volts within the right water temperatures.
8. Asian Sheepshead Wrasse
The female Asian sheepshead has the amazing ability to switch genders as it desires. The fish has a bulbous chin. Its species is commonly found around the Asian waters; specifically around Korea, Japan, and South China.
7. Jawfish
The jawfish is weird in the manner in which it reproduces. The female jawfish lays eggs. Once the male fish fertilizes the eggs laid, it places them into his mouth for incubation. They stay in his mouth for 1-2 weeks then hatch. Normal jawfish grow up to 4-5 inches long.
6. Tassled Scorpionfish
The tassled scorpionfish is a carnivore which grows to a maximum length of 36 cm. It has ray fins which possess venomous spines. Swimmers in shallow waters may accidentally step on the tassled scorpionfish. When they do, they may experience painful injury which may eventually lead to death.
5. Frogfish
The frogfish changes its color from time to time like a chameleon. However, it takes several weeks to switch from one color to the other. The frogfish does not use its tails to swim like other fish. It does not have a swim bladder. Instead, it uses jet propulsion to move about the water.
4. Boxfish
The boxfish is box-shaped as the name suggests. The shape is a result of the shell-like bony structure called carapace. The carapace is found in within the fish’s body. Boxfish is very peaceful in spite of it possessing deadly toxin.
3. Psychedelic Frogfish
The psychedelic frogfish is a peach-colored frogfish. It possesses pink and white stripes arranged in a beautiful fingerprint pattern. The fish has a flat face which enables it to be capable of depth perception.
2. Lionfish
The lionfish is amongst the most beautiful and unique fishes in the world. It possesses red, orange, white, and black or brown stripes. The stripes are arranged in a zebra-like pattern. In spite of being venomous, lionfish is a food delicacy in some countries. Additionally, some people keep lionfish as a pet.
1. Stonefish
The stonefish is a very dangerous fish; it is the most venomous fish in the world. However, it is difficult to spot it. It lives on the sea floor and often camouflages into the color of its environment. In case a person steps on the stone fish, they will experience a lot of pain. The venom of a stone fish may be fatal.
