In the underwater world, you don’t have to be the biggest creature to be the biggest threat. The stonefish or rockfish, which reaches an average length of 30 to 40 centimeters and up to 2 kg in weight, is the most poisonous fish in the world, carrying poisonous sacks in each of its 13 spines.
Although the threat to responsible divers is miniscule, here are 5 facts you will want to know about these interesting and toxic underwater creatures (if you find them).
1. There are five species of stonefishwhich can be found in the coastal regions of the Indo-Pacific oceans.
2. Like the most poisonous fish in the sea, most would assume that stonefish kill their prey using the venom on their spines, but this is not the case. Instead, the stonefish captures its prey with great speed. To hunt what will be their food, stonefish wait for their prey to appear and then swim fast and attack it quickly. The attack can only last 0.015 seconds! When not chasing its prey, stonefish normally swim very very slowly.
3. It has excellent camouflage capabilities,so stonefish can be difficult to distinguish. If you like to dive, of course it is exciting to spot the creatures that camouflage themselves the best, but remember to pay attention to what is hidden on the rocky bottom or the coral.
4. Don’t panic if you see it, the stonefish will not go out of its way to attack you, but will use its venom as a defense mechanism against predators. The venom is usually released when pressure is applied to the stonefish’s spine, which means that the poison is emitted more frequently when the stonefish is attacked by a predator or stepped on by a human. It will never go straight to attack a human. If for some reason you accidentally step on a stonefish, seek immediate treatment, as the venom can cause severe pain, heart failure, and even death if left untreated. Hot water can be used as a temporary relief; however, seeking medical attention and having an antidote is essential.
5. Stonefish can survive up to 24 hours out of water, which is a rare trait among fish.
Physical appearance
True to its name, stonefish appear to be made up of crusted rocks or debris at the bottom of the sea. But if you look closely, we will see some interesting features, such as that most are brown or gray with yellow, orange or red spots on their body.
