The death of Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin on Monday has emphasised the lethal danger stingrays pose. While deaths caused by stingrays are rare — only 17 stingray deaths have recorded worldwide — it is still best to know that the danger exists.

Recorded deaths from stingray stings indicate that death occurred when the stingray's barbed tail flicked upward and stabbed a person in the heart or close to the heart.

University of Melbourne expert Bryan Fry has been quoted as saying stingrays only "sting in defence" and are not "aggressive animals." Stingrays have also been described as "normally docile."

Stingrays and Other Dangerous Creatures
Watch out for the Aussie Nasties
Steve Irwin: Crocodile Hunter (1962-2006)

When in Sydney visit the Sydney Aquarium to see how dangerous sea creatures look.

Photo: Giant stingray © Sydney Aquarium