DANGEROUS SEA LIFE 



Wounds inflicted by a barracuda differ from those of a shark by 

 the shape of the wound. The former leave straight row toothmarks, 

 while the latter take a U-shaped curve like that of the particular 

 shark jaw involved. Bites and wounds inflicted by the barracuda 

 should be treated with the same general care as shark bites previously 

 described. Hospital or surgical care will be required. 



Prevention of attack appears to be one of respect and caution 

 when in waters known to be inhabited by this dangerous species. 

 Any shiny or bright object in the water will attract their interest 

 and attack may swiftly follow. 



Figure 5. GREAT BARRACUDA 



i 



KILLER WHALE OR GRAMPUS 



Killer whales usually hunt in packs of 3 to 30. The grampus is 

 a toothed whale, voracious enemy of all sea creatures, including its 

 own kind. Although measuring only 15 to 30 feet in length, they 

 may attack much larger whales, using wolf-pack tactics. Killer whales 

 are characterized by a bluntly rounded snout, high black dorsal fin, 

 white patch just behind the eye, and with a striking jet-black color 

 above, contrasting with snow-white imderparts. These whales have 

 large conical teeth which interlock when the jaw is closed. They are 

 swift swimmers, the implacable enemy of seals, wabnises, and even 

 penguins. Scientists regard this whale's intelligence as being about 

 on the level with that of a domestic dog. Many remarkable experi- 

 ences have been described to illustrate the superior mentaUty of these 

 whales. They have been reported to collaborate with whalers in 

 obtaining their prey and to utilize wolf-pack tactics to harry larger 

 whales into shoal water where they may be easily killed. 



The Killer Whale or Grampus ocra (Figure 6) is found in all 

 oceans and seas from the Barents Sea or Bering Strait to beyond the 

 Antarctic Circle. The only defense against this ruthless and fero- 

 cious killer is a hasty retreat. Divers should get out of the water if 

 killer whales are observed. 



TRIDACNA CLAMS 



These giant clams abound in the reefs of Pacific tropical waters. 

 Specimens measure up to 4 feet in length and several hundred pounds 

 in weight. 



Figure 7. TRIDACNA CLAM 



Figures. KILLER WHALE 



This mullosk, named Tridacna gigas (Figure 7), if prodded while 

 open, will close with a tight vise-like grip. Divers and others have 

 been reported trapped by the giant clam. Release can be gained by 

 inserting a knife between the valves and severing the 2 large trans- 

 verse adductor muscles which hold the 2 halves together. 

 MORAY EELS 



Moray eels are possessed of powerful muscular bodies and may 

 attain a length of 10 feet. Their narrow jaws are armed with knife- 

 like canine teeth, well able to inflict severe lacerations or to hold a 

 bulldog-like grip until death. Morays are incredibly slippery and 

 difficult to handle. They dwell mostly on the bottom in crevices and 

 holes under rock or in coral. 



Moray eels, of the family Muraenidae (Figure 8), of about 20 

 species, are largely confined to tropical and subtropical seas. Several 

 temperate zone species are known to exist in California and in Euro- 

 pean waters. 



Because injury resulting from a moray eel bite is of the tearing, 

 jagged type, similar to that inflicted by the barracuda, the same 

 principles of treatment should be followed. 



Avoidance or prevention of wounds from moray eels may be 

 accomplished by exercising due diligence and caution when exploring 

 crevices and holes under rocks or coral where eels may be lurking. 

 Hands and feet must be kept out of rock crevices. Although moray 

 eels are vicious biters, they have seldom been known to attack except 

 when provoked. MISCELLANEOUS 



There are many other aggressive and dangerous marine animals 

 capable of causing serious wounds or abrasions. A downed aviator, 

 beached mariner, or diver must guard against becoming the target 

 for attack or inviting a rubbing acquaintance with the following types: 



1. The Giant Devil Ray or Manta, Manta birostris may 

 reach a spread of 20 feet and a weight of 3,500 pounds. The 

 greatest danger is caused by the huge size of the manta and by 

 the cephalic fins covered with a coarse skin. This sharp skin is 

 capable of producing a severe abrasion on close contact. Active 

 curiosity while investigating air bubbles may lead the manta 

 into entanglement with air hose. Normally, the manta swims 

 or basks near or on the surface and feeds on plankton, small fish, 

 and crustaceans. Mantas may be observed in tropical seas as 

 they leap out of the water, and may be heard to fall back with 

 a resounding smack. Their color is reddish brown to black 

 above and light below. 



2. Sea Lions are not usually ferocious, but during the 

 breeding season the larger bulls become irritable and may take 

 exception to any intruder. They may take a nip at a diver or 

 swimmer during this season, whereas ordinarily they are merely 

 curious. 



3. Seabass or Grouper, Serranidae, may reach a length of 

 8 to 10 feet and attain a weight of 800 pounds or more. Because 

 they are unusually curious and bold, large groupers become a 

 potential hazard to divers or swimmers. Although not aggres- 

 sive, they are voracious feeders, possessed of a fearless attitude. 



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