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| Introduction to the reef |
Dangers of the Reef!
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The reef has many species of marine life that can be potentially fatal to humans. Hazards abound that you should know about before venturing out. We have listed some here. If you would like to contribute to this section, then please feel free to submit to us here. We will be happy to verify the facts and add the information with your name attached as the submitter. We've listed some of the more dangerous creatures you may encounter on the reef, the more lethal the creature, the more skulls after it's name!
Box Jelly Fish. 
Possibly one of the most dangerous creatures on the reef. The box jelly fish gets its name from the shape of its body. A box-shaped bell with clusters of tentacles extending from each corner. It has the potential to inflict fatal stings to humans. Found mainly around river mouths and muddy shadow water, they rarely inhabit the reef islands. "Stinger Season" is from November through to March. All swimmers on the beaches are encouraged to swim within specially provided "Stinger Enclosures"
Blue Ringed Octopus
With a beak that can penetrate a wet-suit, they are one little cute creature to definitely look at BUT Don't touch. The blue-ringed octopus is the size of a golf ball but its poison is powerful enough to kill an adult human in minutes. There's no known antidote. Residing in rock pools and coral, the blue ring octopus' rings will "glow" an electric blue when provoked or is on the defense. This is when it is most dangerous, especially to children, as it looks very pretty and harmless.
Cone Shells
Cone shells look very pretty, but several types are known to be very dangerous to humans. The venom of some contains the most potent neurotoxins known to man.
Lion Fish
Lion-fish have venomous fin spines that can produce painful puncture wounds. Fatalities, however, are rare. The fish have elongated dorsal fin spines and enlarged pectoral fins, and each species has a pattern of zebra like stripes.
Stone Fish
With 13 dorsal spines that release a poisonous toxin when pressed, the Stone fish can inflict excruciating pain and possible death to the unwary. They dwell on stony, muddy bottom areas. Visitors walking on the beaches (especially at low tide) should always wear covered shoes with a sturdy sole.
Sea Snakes
Approx 15 species of sea snakes can be found on the reef. ALL OF THEM PRODUCE LETHAL VENOM. Having small fangs, they are not normally aggressive. There have been no reported deaths from sea snakes, however they should still be treated with respect.
Stingrays
Fatalities reported from stingray deaths are few and far between. Barbs on the stingrays' tail whip up when trodden on and can inflict serious lacerations and deep wounds. Tetanus is also a possibility if the wound becomes infected.
Information and images provided courtesy of BARRIERREEFAUSTRALIA.COM