Fire Coral Fire Coral also known as Stinging or Red Sea Coral belongs to the Milleporina order of species

and contrary to popular belief isnt really a coral at all. Fire corals are marine organisms that form colonies that look just like real coral; they are actually closely related to the jellyfish family and other stinging anemones. The Fire Coral gets its name from the painful burning sting that it inflicts on the unwary diver that brushes against it. A fire Coral sting can cause intense pain and can be felt from two days to up to two weeks. (Also Read: Playing With Fire Underwater: Fire Coral Demystified)

Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Out of all starfish species, the Crown-of-thorns starfish is probably the most dangerous to divers. The sharp spines on the sides of the starfishs limbs resemble thorns and create a crown-like shape, giving the creature its name. These thorns are very sharp and are capable of piercing through wetsuits and other clothing and are contain a neurotoxin that can cause onset of edema, erythema ,pain, as well as nausea and vomiting. Crown-of-thorn starfish are found in tropical coral reefs in the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean.

Hydroids Hydroids are feathery plants like creatures closely related to jellyfish, with stinging cells, and are sometimes referred to as fireweed. Hydroids are actually colonies of animals equipped with strong stinging cells (nematocysts) used to capture prey and for defense. Attached to virtually any firm surface including rocks, seaweeds, and man-made objects including docks and mooring lines Hydroids are one of the primary causes of itching and skin irritation for divers that accidentally come in contact with this tiny creatures. Two species to avoid in particular are the white, fine feathery ones known as the Feather Hydroid and the denser yellow/brown variety.

Sea Urchins Divers are especially wary of these creatures mainly due to the fact that accidental stings while walking in a shallow reef, or touching one accidentally while Scuba diving can be a painful proposition. The spines of sea urchins remain in the wound making wound heal slowly. Sea urchins inject a small amount of venom when stinging, but the amount is negligible to cause any serious injury , around 10 species of Urchins are poisonous but there are a few that are deadly. Sea urchin stings must be washed thoroughly and rinsed with vinegar to wash out the stings and then watched over the next couple of days for signs of infection. Divers should be constantly vigilant where they place their hands, to avoid an accidental encounter with these spiny devils.