A terrifying fish with sharp, blood-red-coloured teeth baffled fishermen in China.

Footage shows the Odonus niger fish, or more commonly known as the red-toothed triggerfish, as it was being held by one of the boat crew as they sailed South China Sea off the coast of Guangdong province on July 22.

Out of the water, the creepy animal opened and closed its mouth exposing its fangs that were deep scarlet in colour.

The marine creature was tossed back to the ocean and swam back to the depths.

Red-toothed triggerfish have distinctive needle-sharp red teeth, with two prominent teeth visible even when their mouth is closed. These teeth are used for crushing hard-shelled prey and defending themselves.