Stonefish

The worst of the scorpion fishes, the stonefish bears a toxin comparable to that of a cobra. This small but horribly ugly creature lives in coral reefs in the Pacific and Indian oceans and is camouflaged to resemble a coral lump. If you are “spined,” the pain is instantaneous. In 10 minutes you’ll likely collapse, thrashing and raving maniacally. If you survive six hours you’ll probably live, though flesh near the wound will have sloughed away, your joints will ache and it will take a year to regain good health.