10 Most Poisonous Frogs on Earth

1) Dendrobates azureus:

As children, many of us kept frogs we had found in jars and vivariums, or just took them home to show to our friends. The frogs on this list are a different ball of wax, not creatures anyone in their right mind would want to play with or even touch - in many cases, in fact, they are deadly poisonous.

2) Golden poison dart frog

These frogs use their poison solely for self-defense, not to kill prey, and what a good defense against predators it is. Many of them are poison dart frogs known for their use in making arrow poisons. Beautiful but deadly – it's definitely a case of look but don't touch with these suckers!

3. Giant Leaf Frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor)

This extremely interesting frog, also known as the monkey frog, secretes a mild poison that can have a variety of effects, ranging from sedation and gastric upset to hallucinations. Amazingly, indigenous Amazonian tribes deliberately use it on themselves. The tribespeople apply the poison to self-inflicted burns or other breaks in the skin in order to gain a feeling of refreshment, as well as certain opioid effects. Put simply, this is a frog that can get you high! The giant leaf frog is also under threat from biopiracy because some of its toxic ingredients may be of use in treating AIDS and cancer.

4. Dyeing Dart Frog (Dendrobates tinctorius)

The third largest of the poison dart frogs, at approximately two inches, this big old frog employs poison in self-defense and comes in many different colors and patterns. What is really unique about the dyeing dart frog is the way indigenous tribes of the Guiana Shield make use of it. The tribespeople massage the skin of juvenile parrots with the frog, and the toxic effect of its poison makes the birds' feathers grow in different colors – hence the frog's name. The poison is also used by the tribes for hunting purposes, however, so don't try this at home!

5. Red-backed Poison Frog (Ranitomeya reticulatus)

The second most poisonous frog in its genus, after the splash-backed poison frog, Peru's red-backed poison frog has a toxicity that is considered 'moderate'. That doesn't mean you can take this little fellow lightly, though: it can still do humans serious injury and kill animals such as chickens. The frog's poison is thought to derive from the neurotoxic venom of the ants it eats and is stored in its skin glands – a great defense against would-be attackers not deterred by its warning colors. Considering the fact that there is only one ground snake (Leimadophis epinephelus) which has a slight resistance to this and other poison arrow frogs' poison, this critter doesn't plan on becoming a meal any time soon!

6. Strawberry Poison Dart Frog (Oophaga pumilio)

With its bright red skin, the tiny strawberry poison dart frog, native to Central America, is one of the most beautiful of the species listed here. Its poison is pretty toxic stuff, causing swelling and a burning sensation, but is still far weaker than that of the Phyllobates genus of poison dart frogs, for example. 7. Lovely Poison Frog (Phyllobates lugubris)

Also known as the striped poison dart frog, Central America's lovely poison frog is the least toxic in thePhyllobates genus, and yet it still produces dangerous toxins. The amount of toxin is thought to be comparatively low, ranging from nothing to 0.8 micrograms, but this frog is still far from harmless and can cause heart failure in predators that risk eating it. Don't be fooled by its name! (Well, it does look quite lovely.)

 8. Golfodulcean Poison Frog (Phyllobates vittatus)

The Golfodulcean poison frog is strikingly colored and named for the stripes running down its back. While it is the fourth most toxic of the Phyllobates genus, it contains noticeably less poison than the three species ahead of it in the toxicity stakes. Even so, it's seriously toxic, with poison that can cause excruciating pain, mild seizures, and even paralysis in some cases. It's been reported that tasting this frog (who tastes poisonous frogs deliberately?) leads to "lingering, almost numb sensation on the tongue, followed by a disagreeable tightening sensation in the throat." We're pretty sure that's just the beginning.

 9. Splash-backed Poison FrogRanitomeya variabilis

A tree-dwelling species found in the rainforest of Ecuador and Peru, the splash-backed poison frog is the most toxic member of its genus, with the secretions from its skin said to be capable of killing up to five humans. Its mottled coloring may look pretty, but the message is simple: steer clear.

 10. Phantasmal Poison Frog (Epipedobates tricolor)

This killer frog is absolutely tiny but has a toxicity that belies its size. Less than half an inch long in some cases, it packs an incredibly powerful punch. Its poison can easily kill would-be predators and humans alike, but it is also unique due to the fact that a painkiller 200 times more powerful than morphine – called epibatadine– has been developed from it. Endangered in their native Ecuador, Phantasmal poison frogs are being bred in captivity by scientists who are also attempting to maintain their toxicity. Gloves and face masks are a must!

The Most Dangerous Creatures of the Sea

Lionfish

Members of the Scorpaenidae fish family, the Lionfish are native to the Indian and Pacific oceans but various species can be found all over the world. Also known as the Turkey Fish or Dragon Fish, it has long poisonous spines that are deadly to many marine creatures. The Lionfish sting is not usually deadly to humans but it will cause severe pain, headaches and vomiting. Lionfish attack people unless provoked, but in case you get stung you should immediately soak the area in hot water and seek medical help.

Stonefish

 The Stonefish is a master of camouflage, which makes it even more dangerous, as people often get to close without realizing it. They can be found on the sea bottom and around coral reefs, disguised as rocks. The Stonefish is the most poisonous fish in the world. It has 13 spikes on its back, all filled with extremely potent, protein-based venom. Depending on how deep the sting is, this venom can kill a person in a few hours unless he receives medical attention. Getting stung by a Stonefish causes excruciating pain, shock and paralysis. Surviving victims of Stonefish encounters have been known to suffer nerve damage which leads to muscle atrophy.

Sea Urchin

No one in his right mind would get close to anything as spiny as a sea urchin, but walking in the water makes it easier for people to step on them. Sea Urchins have long sharp spines that penetrate very deep and sometimes break, causing severe pain and infection. In most sting cases, the spines have to be removed surgically. Not all Sea Urchins are venomous but one of the most dangerous, the Flower urchins can be deadly. It looks like its body is covered by flowers instead of thorns, but they are in fact venomous and can cause paralysis or, even worse, death. There have been several reports of people killed by Flower Urchins around Japan.

Catfish

They may look innocent and peaceful with their cute little whiskers, but Catfish are dangerous creatures if provoked. When it feels threatened, the Catfish pulls out three barbed spines from its back and side fins. They are venomous and cause severe pain. Although rare, throughout the years there have been cases when catfish attacks proved deadly. Catfish venom remains active for several days after the fish dies so even refrigerated ones must be handled with care.

Box Jellyfish

Often referred to as the Box of Death, the Box Jellyfish is indeed one of the deadliest sea-creatures on earth. It has up to 60 tentacles which can be even 5 meters long and have 5,000 million stinging cells. It’s enough for a full grown adult to come in contact with just 3 tentacles to risk death. Box Jellyfish are very fragile organisms, even a small fish could tear through it like butter, so it needs to kill aggressors and its food at first contact. Box Jellyfish are so dangerous because they frequent a number of very popular beaches and because of their translucent bodies they are extremely hard to spot.