Marine predators have long been one of the most feared forms of life in the seas. A majority of these marine predators are apex predators, that is, they feature on top of the food chain.
1. Alligator Snapping Turtle
The Alligator Snapping Turtle belongs to the class Reptilia and are carnivores and scavengers. These predators are known to consume anything they come into contact with. These include fish as well as their carcasses. The Alligator Snapping Turtle will also eat snakes, other turtles and small alligators.
2. Saltwater Crocodiles
Saltwater Crocodiles can weigh up to 450 kilograms and are extremely territorial. That being said, they will attack any animal that makes the mistake of entering its territory. Not only that, they will also attack humans who do the same. While younger saltwater crocodiles feast on fish, amphibians, reptiles and insects, the largest ones are capable of consuming birds, water buffaloes, sharks, monkeys, kangaroos, etc. They spend their days under the sun and their nights hunting.
3. Electric Rays
These cartilaginous fish are flattened and have large fins. They can produce extremely strong electric currents which can range between 8 to 220 volts. They can change this power according to the nature of their prey as well as for defense purposes. If a human is to step on this marine predator, he will get paralyzed instantly.
4. Giant Otter
The Giant Otter belongs to the Weasel family and is the largest among the members. These marine predators tend to feed on whatever is available in abundance including fish like cichlids, catfish and characins. The Giant Otter is extremely sharp and usually hunts in pairs. They are known to consume their pairs almost instantly and eat their heads first.
5. Electric Eel
An Electric Eel is actually a knifefish and preys with the help of the electric currents it discharges. It does so for both hunting as well as self defense. Adult eels eat both fish and mammals while the younger ones feed on crabs and shrimps.
6. Bull Sharks
Bull Sharks are referred to as Zambezi sharks or whaler sharks. They are very aggressive and unpredictable. According to studies, a bull shark is capable of attacking humans as swiftly as tiger or great white sharks. They feed on other sharks, seabirds, dolphins and any other animals they may encounter. They are very territorial which is what makes them violent.
7. Great White Shark
The Great White Shark is also know as white d**th or white pointer. It can weigh up to 2,240 kilograms and extend beyond 20 feet in height. This shark is definitely the largest marine predator and it feeds on carcasses, dolphins and porpoises. The Great White Shark is known to consume such animals that they cannot digest.
8. Electric Catfish
Just like the Electric Eel and the Electric Rays, the Electric Catfish is also able to discharge strong electric current that can reach up to 350 volts. They hunt during nighttime and consume mostly fish by electrocuting them.
9. False Gharial
The False Gharial belongs to the crocodile family and its diet is quite varied. In the past, it was known that they hunted mostly fish and other vertebrates but recently it has been revealed that they are capable of preying on fruit bats, monkeys and deer as well.
10. Amazon River Dolphin
The Amazon River Dolphin is known as Boto, Tonina and Boto Cor de Rosa. These marine predators have over 100 front teeth which they use for hunting their prey. They feed on catfish, crabs, other fish and turtles.
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