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Species encyclopedia

Stonefish

Synanceia verrucosa
Distribution area
Group
Size
Conservation status
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The stonefish is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to Polynesia.
Vertebrates
Actinopterygii
30 centimeters
Least concern
13

Biology

The stonefish can mainly be found on rocky seabeds close to coral reefs, at depths of up to 50 m.

Its squat form, its warty, scale-less skin and its colouring in a mix of browns and oranges all allow the stonefish to conceal itself in its natural environment. It can also burrow under the sand, with only its back protruding.

Being a poor swimmer, it prefers to lie in wait to hunt animals that live just above the ocean floor, preferably by night. It seizes them with surprising speed and is able to gulp down some very big prey indeed.

Defense system

The stonefish has 13 short dorsal spines hollowed out by a channel and connected at their base to two venom glands. When those spines enter a victim’s skin, the glands are compressed and the venom is injected.

This fish is reputed to be the most venomous in the world. Is venom is a powerful neurotoxin that paralyses the muscles and attacks the nervous system. Its sting causes sharp pain, often followed by a loss of consciousness.

Fatalities are rare, although local complications are to be feared, like necrosis, secondary infections and septicaemia.

Animal venoms are often thermolabile proteins that can be destroyed by heat.
If you are stung, you should approach that area to a heat source so that you can neutralize at least a portion of the injected venom.

Indo-Pacific region

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