Stonefish – Synanceiidae

The stonefish is a carnivorous fish with venomous spines on its back. It lives well camouflaged on the sea floor. They are found in the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. The average length of an adult stonefish is between 35 and 50 cm. The color is usually dark green to brown giving the animal good camouflage. Its diet consists mainly of shrimp and small fish. The dorsal fin contains 14 spines containing a particularly strong neurotoxin. The toxin causes a very intense pain that can cause one to go into shock or become partially paralyzed. It is also possible that the affected body part (usually foot or leg) may die and have to be amputated.