Sphere

by Michael Crichton

“Do you know what kind it is?” Norman said. “It may be a Belcher’s,” Beth said. “Pacific sea snakes are all poisonous, but Belcher’s sea snake is the most poisonous. In fact, some researchers think it’s the deadliest reptile in the world, with venom a hundred times more powerful than the venom of a king cobra or the black tiger snake.” “So if it bit you …” “Two minutes, tops.” They watched the snake slither away among the fans. Then it was gone. “Sea snakes are not usually aggressive,” Beth said. “Some divers even touch them, play with them, but I never would. God. Snakes.” “Why are they so poisonous? Is it for immobilizing prey?” “You know, it’s interesting,” Beth said, “but the most toxic creatures in the world are all water creatures. The venom of land animals is nothing in comparison. And even among land animals, the most deadly poison is derived from an amphibian, a toad, Bufotene marfensis. In the sea, there are poisonous fish, like the blowfish, which is a delicacy in Japan; there are poisonous shells, like the star cone, Alaverdis lotensis. Once I was on a boat in Guam and a woman brought up a star cone. The shells are very beautiful, but she didn’t know you have to keep your fingers away from the point. The animal extruded its poison spine and stung her in the palm. She took three steps before she collapsed in convulsions, and she died within an hour. There are also poisonous plants, poisonous sponges, poisonous corals. And then the snakes. Even the weakest of the...