Seagrass (primary producer)- Mollusk (primary consumer)- Blue crab (secondary consumer)- Red drum (tertiary /3rd level consumer)- Tiger shark (quaternary/4th level consumer/apex predator) Photo credit: Integration and Application Network, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (ian.umces.edu/ …

Tiger sharks are omnivores and voracious predators; they will eat anything in their paths, favoring whatever is easiest to catch.

Secondary Consumer Commonly known as sea tiger, the tiger shark is a relatively large macro predator, capable of attaining a length of over 5 meters (16 ft). It is found in many tropical and temperate waters, and it is especially common around central Pacific islands.

Although sharks rarely bite humans, the tiger shark is reported to be responsible for a large share of fatal shark-bite incidents, and is regarded as one of the most dangerous shark species. It ranks second on the list of number of recorded bites on humans, behind only the great white shark.

Tertiary consumers in marine environments include larger fish such as tuna, barracuda and groupers, seals and sea lions, jellyfish, dolphins, moray eels, turtles, sharks and whales—some of which are apex predators, such as the great white or tiger sharks and orca whales.

Here, stable isotope analyses were used to examine the trophic role of tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier). Based on their diet, size and lack of predators, adult tiger sharks (>3 m) are classified as apex predators28.

But some of the largest and most dangerous sharks such as great whites and tiger sharks will eat dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions, and other swimming mammals. As for shark predators, one thing that will eat a shark is another shark—with big sharks chowing down on littler ones.

As reported by Discovery Channel, the first significant discovery was that sharks hate the smell of rotting shark carcasses and quickly swim away from the scent.

Animals with no natural predators are called apex predators, because they sit at the top (or apex) of the food chain. The list is indefinite, but it includes lions, grizzly bears, crocodiles, giant constrictor snakes, wolves, sharks, electric eels, giant jellyfish, killer whales, polar bears, and — arguably — humans.

Sharks pose less of a threat to larger members of the dolphin family. Indeed, orcas are the top predator in the ocean and small sharks are a target for some populations. Orcas will even attack and kill great white sharks just to eat their livers which are a high energy food source.

Dolphins have been found to bludgeon porpoises to death by the hundreds. Unlike most animal killers, which eat their prey, dolphins seem to have murderous urges unrelated to the need for food. They have even been observed in recurring acts of infanticide.

Dolphins have even been known to protect humans in danger of sharks. Apex Prey. Orcas are the largest member of the dolphin family and have been known to hunt great white sharks when food is scarce.

10 most dangerous sea creatures

• Cone Snail.
• Stingrays.
• The great barracuda.
• Flower Urchin.
• Stonefish.
• Blue Ringed Octopus.
• Saltwater Crocodile.
• Chironex (Box Jellyfish)

stonefish

List

Inland Taipan

about 45 minutes

Synanceia verrucosa, a species of stonefish, is lined with dorsal spines that deliver an intensely painful and lethal venom. It is sometimes called the most venomous fish in the world.

Black mambas are fast, nervous, lethally venomous, and when threatened, highly aggressive. For these reasons, the black mamba is widely considered the world’s deadliest snake.

Predation. Adult mambas have few natural predators aside from birds of prey. Brown snake eagles are verified predators of adult black mambas, of up to at least 2.7 m (8 ft 10 in). Other eagles known to hunt or at least consume grown black mambas include tawny eagles and martial eagles.

Their venom is not the most potent among venomous snakes, but the amount of neurotoxin they can deliver in a single bite—up to two-tenths of a fluid ounce—is enough to kill 20 people, or even an elephant. King cobra venom affects the respiratory centers in the brain, causing respiratory arrest and cardiac failure.

Green mambas are active during the day (diurnal), but are seldom seen on the ground, unless after their prey or basking in the sun. Extremely venomous. Neurotoxic – attacks central nervous system and affects cardio pulmonary function. Little or no swelling at the bite wound.

Like other mamba species, western green mamba venom is among the most rapid-acting venom of snakes. Human fatalities as a result of bites from this species are rare due to the fact that this species does not often cross paths with humans, but bites have occurred and the majority of the recorded bites have been fatal.

Green mambas are “extremely venomous,” and their bites can “shut down breathing really quick,” Foley said. Without anti-venom, the chances of surviving a bite are “pretty low.”

As they age, their growth rates decrease but never completely stop. The oldest recorded eastern green mamba was a captive specimen that lived 18.8 years. Another captive specimen lived 14 years.

west Africa

The green mamba is preyed on by humans, mongooses, snake eagles, and genets. Hornbills and other snakes tend to prey on juvenile green mambas. The green mamba is a fairly common species of snake throughout its geographical range, and populations are believed to be stable.