Stonefish

ID points

• Almost impossible to tell apart from an algae-covered rock
• Mouth opening upward, eyes set high on top of the head
• 13 venomous dorsal spines hidden in folds of skin

Basics

Family

Synanceiidae

Length

30–40 cm

Depth

1-30 m

Regions

Indo-Pacific reefs

Distribution

Shallow rocky reef areas of the Indian and Pacific Oceans

Habitat

Shallow rocky reefs and sandy shallows

Diet

Small fish, shrimp

Easily confused with

FlounderExtremely flattened body lying flat on the seabedScorpionfishHead covered in skin flaps and spines, breaking up its outlineToadfishBig flat head and wide mouth, shaped like a toad

Fun fact

The stonefish carries 13 dorsal spines loaded with neurotoxin, making it the most venomous fish in the world. It is a perfect imitation of a lump of reef rock, and anyone who treads on one is envenomated at once and in severe pain. The toxin breaks down with heat, so the cooked fish is safe to eat.