Stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa)

Scientific name: Synanceia verrucosa Bloch & Schneider, 1801

The Stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa) is a marine fish of the family Synanceiidae. Native range: Indo-Pacific, Red Sea and East Africa to French Polynesia, north to the Ryukyu and Ogasawara islands, south to Queensland, Australia.

Biology

Most widespread stonefish. 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. Solitary species. 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. Uncommon in markets. In Hong Kong live fish markets. Also.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Synanceia verrucosa
Family: Synanceiidae (Stonefishes)
Order: Scorpaeniformes (Scorpionfishes and Flatheads)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 40.0
Common length: 27.0
Depth range: 30 m (98 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range ? - 30 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to French Polynesia, north to the Ryukyu and Ogasawara islands, south to Queensland, Australia.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Venomous
Uses: Fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial