Famous for being the world's most venomous fish, stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa) are masters of disguise lurking among the rubble and coral. With the ability to survive out of water for 24 hours and a striking speed that would put Mike Tyson's punch to test, these funky looking fish command respect within the marine world. Curious to learn some fin-tastic stonefish facts? Then read on…
Name game
Stonefish, Synanceia verrucosa, get their common name from their likeness to the stoney habitats that they prefer to lurk in. Their skin is covered in a rough, mottled texture, varying in colour from grayish-brown to reddish-brown. Their diverse colours and irregular, lumpy, flattened bodies, allow them to blend into the rock or coral, providing excellent camouflage against the seafloor. Hence the name, stonefish.
Spiney stones
We can't talk about the stonefish's appearance without mentioning their most obvious attribute, the 13 toxic spines along their dorsal fin.
Most venomous fish
These spikes pack a punch. While stonefish may not be the biggest fish in the water, they're certainly one of the deadliest. An important fact to know about stonefish is that if you happen to step on one while paddling in rocky shallows, you need to act fast. The venom within the spines is lethal to both humans and marine life, causing intense pain, breathing problems and, if not treated with an anti-venom, death.
Hunting style
Despite being the most venomous fish, stonefish don't use their venom when it comes to hunting prey. It's purely for self-defence. As we mentioned before, stonefish are masters of disguise and instead of actively hunting they prefer the ambush predator approach, waiting patiently for their meal to swim within reach.
Need for speed
While stonefish normally move slowly, when needed they can act fast; in 0.015 seconds to be precise. As ambush predators, stonefish sink themselves into the sand and wait patiently for prey (such as shrimps and small fish) to swim by. Once within reach, the stonefish strikes in a fraction of a second using their powerful jaws and large mouths to create pressure, sucking and swallowing their unsuspecting prey whole.
Family of five
There are five recognised species of stonefish. The Midget stonefish (Synanceia alula) is so-called for its small size. The Estuarine stonefish (Synanceia horrida) inhabits brackish and coastal waters and has a more rugged appearance. The Red Sea stonefish (Synanceia nana) is found in the Red Sea, distinguished by its distinctive colouration and patterning. The Flathead stonefish (Synanceia platyrhyncha) is known for its flattened head and broad body. Lastly, the Stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa) is one of the largest and most venomous species, recognised for its heavily wart-like, rough skin and potent venomous spines.
They can survive on land... for 24 hours
A stonefish can stay out of water for up to 24 hours thanks to its special adaptations. Their tough, slimy coating keeps their skin moist and helps them to breathe air through their gills, even on land. Plus, its body is built to handle changes in its environment, making it resilient.
Tasty (?)
While they are the most venomous fish in the water, our final fact about stonefish is that they're also enjoyed as a delicacy in some parts of the world. Countries such as Japan, Hong Kong and China serve up stonefish that's been cooked correctly, removing the venomous sacks.
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