<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSharks are similar looking with many marine mammals, but these intimidating beings of the sea are fish. They have skeletons with cartilage, similar to most fish species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moreover, sharks are cold-blooded with gills where they breathe. As the shark swims, water gets forced through the gills, where oxygen is filtered. With this, sharks will die if they stop swimming. The likes of whale sharks, mako sharks, and hammerhead sharks have to keep moving in order to survive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aside from this, sharks are known for their row of sharp teeth. They also have extra powerful jaws that they use to catch and chew food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So here\u2019s the ultimate dive question: will a shark rip me to death? As long as you keep your distance, the shark will not harm you. In fact, only 20 people a year get killed by a shark. More sharks are killed by people than sharks killing humans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If a shark starts to circle you, stay still and maintain your eye contact with the creature. Never play dead or you\u2019ll be mistaken as a food source. Always stay in an angle where the shark is in front of you. Most of all, don\u2019t pee or bleed underwater. Sharks have a strong sense of smell and they will trace these substances easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>5. Marine reptiles<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMarine reptiles are one of the most interesting underwater creatures you can encounter. However, you should also watch out as some of it can be highly venomous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Turtles are the most popular and most sought-after marine reptile. There are also sea snakes that inhabit corals. Most sea snakes are venomous but only a few cause serious envenomations. Still, you should steer clear of these creatures when you spot one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another marine reptile that you can chance upon is a marine iguana. It\u2019s not a true marine reptile, but since they spend time underwater, experts categorize them as such. Most marine iguanas can be found on the Galapagos where they can be seen feeding on algae on submerged rocks. Just note that marine iguanas stay within shallow waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>How to interact with marine life<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Aside from knowing the animal creatures that live in the ocean, it\u2019s important that a diver also knows how to interact with them. This will prevent any accidents while keeping both the diver and the marine creature safe. For your next dive, keep the following things in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>1. The golden rule: no touch<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nRemember, you\u2019re only a visitor to the underwater world. You should never touch or disturb the creatures in their natural habitat. Otherwise, they may fight back or you\u2019ll damage the natural course of their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wild marine animals are easy to trigger. Even a gentle touch can prompt a defense mechanism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aside from your safety, not touching anything also prevents you from harming the underwater life. Corals take thousands of years to form. Touching it, regardless if you have gloves on, is causing stress to the creature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, you may be carrying various bacteria that may infect and kill marine life if you touch them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>2. Stay graceful<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nRegardless if you\u2019re swimming with a school of fish or in the middle of a shark attack, you should remain graceful. Any sudden movement may cause further aggression on the part of marine life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Move and swim slowly, as if to mimic the movement of marine animals. If you need to approach something, remain calm and do so gently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to get a good look at a marine creature, don\u2019t startle them by swimming aggressively. Marine animals are friendly if you are too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>3. Mind your equipment<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIt can be pretty exciting to take a closer look at a marine creature, but you should never forget where your equipment goes. Many of the beautiful aquatic animals you\u2019ll see are very delicate. You can easily damage their bodies with a gentle touch or a slight bump from your loose emergency regulator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Always keep any loose equipment within your chest area. Also, avoid scraping off the sea bed as it will bring muck up and ruin your field of vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>4. Don\u2019t poke marine life with dive sticks<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nRemember this: dive or muck sticks aren\u2019t meant to poke fish and corals. As much as possible, don\u2019t bring any muck sticks underwater if you don\u2019t have any use for it. Besides, some dive spots may prohibit this gear since it promotes physical contact with marine life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>5. Maintain your distance<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s important to keep your distance when observing marine life. Smaller creatures may circle around you or give you a harmless nibble. Having a good look doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re going to be face to face with the marine creature. A few feet away is the rule of thumb. If the fish approached you, let them be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, if you feel threatened, back out slowly. Make sure that you\u2019re not going to bump or damage anything in the process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>6. Know which creature to avoid<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s easy to get lost in the beauty of the underwater. However, you should also watch out for poisonous and dangerous marine life that may cause physical damage to you. You should know which creatures are poisonous and what to do should you encounter one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>7. Blend in<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nLastly, blend in with the underwater environment. Like predators using a camouflage, you can prevent marine life attacks if you can conceal your presence to some extent. You can hide behind rocks and overhangs. By doing this, pelagic animals will be more comfortable to swim around. It also increases your chance of seeing them up close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nKnowing the types of animals that live in the ocean and how to interact with it is a crucial skill for every diver. It will keep you prepared for any potential interaction or attacks. Aside from mastering your diving techniques<\/a> and gear, being prepared with marine life encounters is a must.<\/p>\n