Interesting Facts

 

¨ An ancient dance has been performed by the Australian Aborigines, to educate children about the dangers of Reef Stonefish.  The performer walks through the water and step on something, a clay model of a Reef Stonefish.  The performer screams in excruciating pain. 

¨ The most venomous fish in the world.

¨ It is often eaten in Hong Kong.

¨ Most Stonefishes are brown and gray in color with patches of red, orange or yellow.

¨ Their venom glands are expelled involuntarily due to sudden pressure on the spine, making it only a defense mechanism.

¨ Two pelvic and tree anal spines are normally hidden within the skin. 

¨ Between 1965 and 1981, 267 use of antivenom for stonefish encounter were reported in Australia. 

¨ Reef Stonefish grow to an average size of 35cm, however on rare occasions there have been reports of 50cm monsters.

¨ Another common name, Dornorn

¨ The Latin name comes from the fact that the Reef Stonefish has a great camouflage.

 

Reef Stonefish

Synanceia verrucosa

For videos of Synanceia verrucosa go to WORLD DATABASE OF MARINE SPECIES