Facts About Stonefish

Stonefish, belonging to Synanceiidae family, is the most venomous fish in the world. When a stonefish feels threatened or disturbed, it erects 13 poisonous dorsal fin spines as a defense, but remains motionless. Its venom can be fatal to humans and many instances have been reported when stonefish have stung divers, resulting in their death. This species of fish is found in the coastal regions of Indo-Pacific oceans. While they are primarily marine creatures, it is not unusual to find stonefish living in rivers as well. The fish is also known as reef stone fish and rockfish, the latter due to its ability to camouflage its appearance and look like a rock. These are commercially sold and are used as pets in aquariums or exhibitions or for food. The article comes up with some very interesting facts and amazing information about stone fish. Read on to know more about this species.

Facts About Stonefish

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Scorpaeniformes

Family: Synanceiidae

Genus: Synanceia

Length: 30-40 cm

Lifespan: 5-10 years

Diet: Small fish & swimming invertebrates.

Habitat: Coral reefs

Interesting & Amazing Information On Stone Fish

The major commercial significance of stonefish is as an aquarium pet. However, these fish are also sold in Hong Kong markets for their meat. Stonefish is also eaten in Japan, as sashimi.
Stonefish is considered to be the most venomous fish in the world, with its venom consisting of proteins. When a stonefish bites a person, its venom can be partially denatured by the application of a very hot compress on the site of injury.
Stonefish, usually, release their toxin when in danger. They have 13 spines on their back that inject the toxin when pressure is placed on them. For instance, when a larger fish attacks or a person steps on stonefish, the pressure leads to release of the venom.
Stonefish are considered to be extremely good at camouflaging themselves. While looking for the prey, they stay still at a particular location, giving the appearance of a rock. This helps them to catch their prey unawares.
The largest stonefish to have ever been recorded was 51 cm long. Mainly, these fish are found in mottled greenish to mostly brown color. Their skin color helps them in their ability to camouflage themselves among the rocks or many of the tropical reefs.
A stonefish may produce a million eggs, of which only a small number survive till maturity. When the female stonefish releases its eggs into water, many of them fall prey to other fishes.
Sharks and rays are among the major predators of stonefish. Researches at the Queensland Museum have put forward that stonefish have been found in the gut contents of large sharks, particularly tiger and white sharks.
Stonefish can be found single or in a group under rocks and rubble. Sometimes, they also bury themselves with just their spines and fins visible.
A stonefish can live for almost 24 hours when it is kept out of water.
One unusual behavior of these is that it can spit water.
Usually, the stonefish lies still and waits till a prey swims away before it attacks.
One of the deadliest marine creatures on Earth, stonefish swims at a low speed unless it spots its prey.
Stonefish do not have any scales on its body, but it has an encrusted skin, which resembles a rock or stone, making it difficult for preys, predators and humans to identify these in the water.
Some of their poisonous spines are concealed within the skin.
Only 0.015 seconds are needed for a stonefish to attack its prey.
An anti-venom has been developed for stonefish stings. The number of wounds will govern the amount of anti-venom required for the victim.

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