Stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa) fish species and information / pictures of Stonefish - Synanceia verrucosa

Stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa) fish species information

Scientific Name
Synanceia verrucosa

Common Name
Stonefish

Biology
Most widespread stonefish (Ref. 4313). Found on sandy or rubble areas of reef flats and shallow lagoons and in small pools during low tide well camouflaged among the substrate and sometimes even covered with algae (Ref. 5213, 5503). Solitary species (Ref. 37816). Feeds on fishes and crustaceans. The dorsal fin has 2 grooves serving as seringes of venom; their stings are excruciatingly painful and can occasionally be fatal. A serum exists which is effective if applied immediately after the infliction. World's most venomous fish (Ref. 37816). Uncommon in markets. In Hong Kong live fish markets (Ref. 27253). Also Ref. 57406.

Classification

Classified By
Bloch & Schneider, 1801
Class
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
Order
Scorpionfishes and Flatheads (Scorpaeniformes)
Family
Stonefishes (Synanceiidae)

Distribution

Region
Indo-Pacific
Distribution
Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to French Polynesia, north to the Ryukyu and Ogasawara islands, south to Queensland, Australia.
Range
30°N - 30°S, 30°E - 139°W

Environment

Climate
Tropical
Water Temperature From
Unknown °C
Water Temperature To
Unknown °C
Depth From - meters
Unknown m
Depth To - meters
30 m
Zone
reef-associated
Environment
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range ? - 30 m (Ref. 37816)
Trophic Level
4.2 s.e. 0.73 Based on food items.
Occurs in Marine / Salt water
True
Occurs in Brackish water
False
Occurs in Fresh Water
False
Occurs on Reefs
True
Is kept in Aquariums
True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length
40.0 cm
Common Length
27.0 cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
PD50 = 0.5312 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial
Vulnerability
Moderate vulnerability (39 of 100)
Resilience
Unknown
Threat To Humans
  Venomous (Ref. 4690)
IUCN Red List Status
  Not Evaluated