10 Most Dangerous Creatures On Earth

The pufferfish has a unique deterrent that it uses to ward off any potential predators – it can exaggerate its size using its highly elasticised stomach to inhale large amounts of water. While this defence mechanism is to warn predators away, the joy of catching the puffer deflated won’t be long lived – literally.

The pufferfish contains a lethal bacterium called tetrodotoxin that is over a thousand times more potent than cyanide. One fish can carry enough toxins in its teacup sized body to kill up to 30 humans. The lethal neurotoxin eventually works its way into the prey’s respiratory system, rendering it unable to breathe.

With this in mind, the pufferfish, also known in Japan as fugu, is considered a prized gastro-delicacy. Prepared by skilled and fully licensed chefs, the fatally poisonous jagged skin and organs must be meticulously stripped to leave a delicate non-toxic meat. Up to 50 humans are hospitalised by ill-prepared fugu fish per year which raises the question – why on earth would someone eat something so dangerous?