Stonefish

Todd Sain Sr.

8 years ago

Source: https://bit.ly/2HB3x1F Photographer: Keith Schengili-Roberts CC License: https://bit.ly/1p2b8Ke

Stonefish Facts

First of all, Stonefish serves as the collective name of any of 5 species found in the family listed as Synanceiidae. All five known varieties in the family also rank as highly venomous. In fact, these rank among the most poisonous fish known on earth.
Furthermore, its name derives from the unique appearance of all known varieties. This represents a rather remarkable adaptation allowing it to camouflage themselves into the surrounding rocky areas it prefers to inhabit.
In addition, the highly varied colors and mottled appearance of these creatures plays an extremely vital role in their survival. That fact holds true because it helps make the various species extremely difficult to spot and avoid.
Finally, the various members of this fascinating group distinguish themselves from many related species in a very good way. Unlike many creatures today, for the moment, all types of Stonefish appear to still have a stable population base.

Source: https://bit.ly/2Jvuc1n Photographer: Bernard DUPONT CC License: https://bit.ly/1jxQJMa

Stonefish Physical Description

Most notably, given the fact that the term Stonefish applies to at least seven different species, physical appearance varies. This includes a wide range of physical sizes. However, some basic patterns appear among all of the different types. This applies in two specific ways.

Firstly, all members of this extremely impressive family display a similar physical appearance. This appearance consists of a rough, mottled appearance and uneven lines. Quite understandably, these traits allow for better camouflage in its native habitat.

Secondly, every member of this group of fish also possesses powerful toxins. The venom of the creature forms in the spines on the fins, which stick up when threatened. Its venom also remains extremely dangerous, excruciatingly painful, and can be fatal. In fact, PADI lists it as the most venomous fish in the world.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Scorpaeniformes
Family: Synanceiidae
Genus: Syanecia

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Photographer: airforcefe
CC License: https://bit.ly/1ryPA8o

Stonefish Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

It should be noted that the various types of Stonefish inhabit a rather wide range of the waters of the world. This range partly consists of the warm waters of the Caribbean. But, it also appears off the coast of Florida, in the United States, in North America, and in coastal sections of the Indo-Pacific Ocean region.

Furthermore, all known types of this amazing creature evolved primarily as marine fish. However, some members of this group will sometimes also inhabit restricted regions of rivers. This habitat range consists of the areas where these meet the ocean and the waters blend.

In addition, these remarkable fish do not generally display overtly aggressive behavior by nature. Despite this fact, its dangers must not be underestimated. Most envenomings, however, occur when unsuspecting swimmers simply step on the fish.