Marine stingers, particularly the Box Jellyfish, can cause a bad bite. They inhabit the tropical waters North of Cairns during the warmer summer months. You should not go swimming at that time. They're non-aggressive, but if you bump against them, they will release their toxic cells in defence. You'll find signs at most of the tourist beaches, warning of the potential danger of marine stingers, and in a box next to the sign, you may find a bottle of clear liquid. It's vinegar, the best first-aid available because it deactivates the tentacles. Ice packs can also help to relieve the pain.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The stonefish is a brownish grey-green, which gives them camouflage from predators. Unfortunately, looking like a rock or piece of coral also makes them quite difficult for us to notice and avoid. Reef Stonefish may have patches of yellow, orange or red. They are mostly found amongst reefs or rocks. They are also non-aggressive, but stonefish have a number of sharp, tough spines in their dorsal fin which can inject highly toxic venom if stepped upon. Very hot water (not boiling) can be used to relieve the pain. Although the venom causes extreme pain, there have been no recorded deaths from Stonefish since European arrival in Australia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last but not least is the `Stingray` a large, usually harmless UFO shaped round creature that slowly drifts through the water. The species attracted global attention when one of them killed crocodile hunter Steve Irwin on September 4, 2006. It was a tragic accident with the animal whacking it’s tail through the hart of the Australian Icon. It was an extremely unlucky accident as usually stingrays are not aggressive.