6 photos - 1 species


Introduction


There are 36 species in nine genera and three subfamilies.

Some of their species are among the most poisonous fish of all.

The neurotoxin, which is one of the most dangerous animal poisons

and is located in the dorsal fin spines,

is extremely painful and can also be fatal to humans.

They have a plump or elongated body, large pectoral fins,

a very large, flattened head and a large, upward-pointing mouth. 

Depending on the species, they grow to between 8 and 60 cm in size.


Synanceia verrucosa

Reef stonefish or Stonefish

Maximum length: 38 cm

Depth: 5 - 45 m

In the shallow water of coral reefs on rubble.

Eats fish and crustaceans.

One of the most venomous fish in the world, with fin spines

and associated venom glands on most fins.

Very difficult to recognise as it is very well camouflaged.

Sometimes buried.

Photos 1 - 6 Johnny: Hurghada Egypt