Reef stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Synanceia verrucosa
- Common name
- Reef stonefish
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Synanceiidae
- Genus
- Synanceia
- Size
- 25–60 cm
- Depth
- 0–40 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Venomous
- Habitats
- coral-reef, sand
- Behaviours
- solitary, cryptic, venomous
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Caribbean, East Atlantic, Mediterranean, Eastern Pacific
Description
Synanceia verrucosa reaches 60 cm. THE most venomous fish worldwide. Stocky humped warty brown-green body with marbled patterns perfectly mimicking algae-encrusted stone, motionless on bottom. 13 highly venomous dorsal spines containing extremely powerful toxic cocktail (verrucotoxin). Sting causing unbearable pain, paralysis, severe infection, possible mortality without antiserum. Lives from 0 to 40 m on coral reefs and sands Indo-Pacific. Macro photo subject at respected distance, never walk barefoot in tropical reef zone.
Photo of Reef stonefish
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Reef stonefish?
- Reef stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa) reaches 25–60 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Reef stonefish?
- Reef stonefish is found between 0–40 m deep.
- Is the Reef stonefish dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Venomous.
- What is the conservation status of the Reef stonefish?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Reef stonefish?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Caribbean, East Atlantic, Mediterranean, Eastern Pacific.
Other species in the family Synanceiidae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 215627)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5201174)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia