When we think of the most dangerous animals, the same suspects always seem to surface: sharks, lions, snakes and crocodiles. There are many more obscure creatures in the animal kingdom. Their venom, claws, or hunting techniques are just as lethal. Sometimes, they are even more dangerous. A few really obscure animals pose significant threats to human life. They mostly go without the appropriate level of recognition. Their attacks may be infrequent, but they are no less deadly. From venomous fish to tiny, seemingly harmless insects, these creatures lurk in the shadows, awaiting the unknowing victim. Here are some of the most dangerous animals you’ve never heard of.

1. Box Jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri)

Box jellyfish are not the type of animals you want to encounter while swimming. This is especially true in the warm shallow waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. These transparent and almost invisible animals have tentacles up to 10 feet in length. They boast hundreds of thousands of venomous nematocysts. These microscopic stingers use a powerful venom. The venom paralyzes, causes cardiac arrest, and may even kill. Though infrequent as shark attacks, the venom in box jellyfish stings is so potent that, if not treated, it can kill a person in a matter of minutes.

First records of the severity of the sting date back to the 1950s, and nowadays the species is regarded as one of the most dangerous saltwater animals. Actually, box jellyfish inflict more deaths in Australia compared to sharks. The worst is that sometimes people enter deadly encounters with them because the fact that the body of jellyfish is almost invisible due to their transparent color predominantly causes an accident of going closer to them too much.

2. Cone Snail (Conus spp.)

But it’s easy to forget a cone snail is just a pretty ocean shell; in this very unassuming package lives an unrelentless predator able to strike with some of the deadliest neurotoxic venom known-possibly enough to kill a human. Cone snails are found in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide, possessing a specialized “harpoon” capable of delivering lethal neurotoxin upon strike. Whereas most venomous animals have to depend on reflex action in the form of biting or stinging, cone snails shoot out a harpoon and release a thread of venom that instantly paralyzes their prey.

While the attacks of cone snails on humans are very rare, they do take place. Indeed, many deaths are attributed to the venom of these mollusks in the case of divers and beach-combers who obliviously pick them up with their hands. This toxin acts so fast that in a couple of hours, the animal may end up dead, especially when one has no medical attention immediately. While only a few species are potentially lethal to humans, their small size and beautiful shell make them difficult to identify as threats.

3. Golden Poison Dart Frog (Phyllobates terribilis)

Small, varicolored, highly toxic, the golden poison dart frog is Earth’s most dangerous animal, though most of the world largely remains unaware. These frogs live in western Colombia’s rainforest and excrete a secretion of batrachotoxin so powerful it paralyzes and kills by inhibiting nerves. It is said that one frog alone has enough poison to potentially kill several people or hundreds of thousands of mice. What even makes the frog more dangerous is that its bright yellow color serves as a warning to predators, yet in some other cases, it still catches the eye of those looking for more colorful and deadlier things. Toxicity is not inherently within the frog, though-it acquires the poison from the ants, mites, and other small arthropods it eats. They lose the toxicity while in captivity, when their feeding is different. For a very small creature, usually about 2 inches, its venom acts to cause cardiac arrest in both predators and humans.

4. Brazilian Wandering Spider (Phoneutria spp.)

The Brazilian wandering spider holds the status of being the most hazardous arachnid on Earth. Its other name is the armed spider.

Native to South and Central America, this animal dwells in dark corners of houses, under rocks, and amongst thick foliage. Venom has neurotoxic components that lead to paralysis, painful sensations, and even death. What makes the Brazilian wandering spider so deadly is that natured it is very aggressive. While most spiders tend to hide if threatened, this spider goes out openly to hunt for its prey and will most likely attack if cornered. Though the Brazilian wandering spider seldom bites, its venom may induce a systemic effect in humans. In worst conditions, the bites may further lead to either respiratory failure or death. However, medical treatment including antivenom may reduce fatalities to a minimum. However, with the sudden appearance of symptoms, the spider merits its fame as one of the world’s deadliest spiders.

5. Giant Centipede (Scolopendra gigantea)

Giant centipedes are a lot more aggressive than any other species and, frankly, large. Nocturnal predators native to countries from Central and South America, giant centipedes are 12 inches long. Their painful poisonous fangs can be extremely swelling, bringing fever or an immense degree of pain in one’s life. While their venom isn’t too lethal in humans, they may pose several complications owing to allergic reactions, aside from infections coming about with each separate sting or bite.

It is not only very poisonous but also a very fierce predator. Such animals as frogs, small rodents and even bats hunt and kill it. With the help of venom, it helps in paralyzing and digesting the food then the centipede consumes the prey. Its bites seldom result in death, yet the giant centipede is an excellent predator due to its speed, aggression and venomous characteristics.

6. The Slow Loris (Genus Nycticebus)

So cute and cuddly yet one of the most poisonous animals in the world are the slow lorises. Nocturnal animal living in Southeast Asia, the motion of slow pace and big eyes help in keeping them safe from their predators. However, they possess a toxic secretion in their elbow glands that they lick and spread over their fur or deliver directly to a victim through a bite. The toxin is a very powerful neurotoxin capable of causing anaphylactic shock, respiratory failure, and even death. Though easygoing and slow, the slow lorises can indeed have a deadly bite. They can inject venom when defending their selves from a predator outdoors, which has caused some serious reactions in humans, too. The medical emergencies that were reported included poisoned bites of people trying to cuddle the primate or trying to get too close to its natural habitats.

7. The Taipan (Oxyuranus spp.)

Many people know about the inland taipan. It is often mentioned as the “world’s deadliest” snake. However, few people actually have any real knowledge of its relatives in the taipan genus. The coastal taipan is another highly venomous snake. It is a grave threat to humans. This snake is found in northeastern Australia and New Guinea. These snakes contain extremely potent neurotoxins in their venom. If untreated, these neurotoxins may result in paralysis and death in a matter of hours.

The Taipan snake is extremely elusive and rarely ever seen, even by people. Its venom, however, is among the most toxic in the world. Symptoms include: dizziness, paralysis, and hemorrhaging-all three of which are fatal if untreated. Antivenoms have drastically reduced the fatality rate caused by the taipan. However, these snakes still rank among the most dangerous creatures in the world.

8. The Pufferfish (Family Tetraodontidae)

Pufferfish, or fugu, are considered a delicacy in Japan. They also represent one of the most dangerous animals you’ve probably never heard of. Pufferfish contain a potent toxin called tetrodotoxin, which is 1,200 times more lethal than cyanide. The toxin is found in several parts of the fish, including the liver, ovaries, and skin, and it can cause paralysis and death if ingested.

Although rare, pufferfish deaths still occur any time an individual attempts to prepare the fish without the expertise or knowledge. This toxin interferes with nerve function through paralysis, respiratory failure, and ultimately death. For this reason, pufferfish remain a delicacy in Japan, where chefs have to go through many years of training in safe ways to prepare and serve it.

9. The Stonefish: Synanceia spp.

Some might consider the stonefish among the most venomous fish in the world. However, these creatures are the true masters of disguise. Native to the Indo-Pacific, these fishes camouflage into the rocky bottoms of their home. They blend in so perfectly that swimmers and divers can barely see them. Stonefish have venomous spines running down their back. When stepped on or threatened, they release powerful venom. This results in extreme pain, paralysis, and even death.

The spines have carried venom for paralysis of nerves, and though very rarely, death results in extreme cases. A sting caused by the stonefish is intensely painful, and serious complications, like shock, and even heart failure may arise if immediate adequate medical intervention were not accorded to the affected one. Stonefish is harmful to man whenever man tends entering shallow water where man is at real risk, usually when not fully aware of one’s surroundings.

10. Deathstalker Scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus)

The deathstalker scorpion is considered one of the most venomous scorpions in the world. Found in North Africa and the Middle East, its venom is a potent cocktail of neurotoxins capable of causing severe pain, paralysis, and even death in humans. Despite its small size, typically around 3 to 4 inches, the deathstalker is known for its agility and aggressive behavior when threatened.

Victims of a deathstalker sting may experience immediate pain, swelling, and a variety of neurological symptoms, including muscle spasms and seizures. While fatalities are rare, especially with access to modern medical care, the scorpion’s venom can be particularly dangerous for children and the elderly. In addition to its medical significance, the venom is also of interest in scientific research for its potential applications in pain management and cancer treatment.

They are some of the many animals whose dangerous natures largely go unnoticed. Though they may never attain the status their more famous brethren enjoy, their deadly abilities make them part of many such creatures whose full lethal capabilities remain known to but a few. These are animals that, although few have any encounters with them, further illustrate the strength and savagery of nature, which often lies deep inside but arises when least expected.