3 of Australia's Deadliest Sea Creatures

The isolation of Australia for 55 million years has created a sanctuary for plants, animals and birds, and some of the oldest living plants and animals can be found here. Australia is a staggeringly beautiful country and one that everyone should visit at least once in their lives. But beneath Australia's beauty lies also great danger. Besides the Great White Shark, here are three of Australia's deadliest sea creatures:

The Blue-Ringed Octopus

If you happen to be a diver, fancy snorkeling around reefs, or simply enjoy tidal pools, don't get too curious when poking around those rocks! Because burrowed deep in those crevasses and holes lurks one of Australia's deadliest creatures -- the blue-ringed octopus.

This small creature is no larger than a golf ball, but packs enough poison to kill 26 adult humans in mere minutes. It is found in Southwestern Australia, from Southern Queensland to Northern Tasmania.

The blue-ringed octopus can be found in depths that range from 0 to 20 meters and feeds primarily on crabs, which is very lucky for us. The octopus is kind enough to warn us when it is feeling threatened and poised to attack. It does this by lighting up its body with electric blue rings. If you happen to be near this octopus once it has lit up, do not touch it and get as far away as you can!

If you have the misfortune to get bitten by one of these guys, the good news is that its bite will not hurt you and you may not even feel it. The bad news? This octopus has just injected a neuromuscular paralyzing venom into your body that contains maculotoxin, a poison more violent than any found in a single land animal.

Would you like the rest of the bad news now? Okay then. There is no known antidote to the blue-ringed octopus bite. Within moments you will feel nauseous, and in just a few seconds you may very well also be completely blind. You will lose your sense of touch, your speech and your ability to swallow. Within just 3 minutes, paralysis will set in and your body will go into respiratory arrest. Not too bad for a creature that is smaller than your fist.