Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Teleostei
Order: Perciformes
Family: Synanceiidae
Genus: Synanceia
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Estuarine Stonefish
Estuarine Stonefish
Synanceia horrida
Synanceia horrida
Habitat & Distribution : Reef-associated, depths of 0 - 40 m, Indo-West Pacific
Diet: small fish and crustaceans
Size: Up to 60 cm
Lifespan: 5 - 15 years
Description
The estuarine stonefish has a brownish gray to reddish brown body with fine lines on its tail fin. Scaleless, but warty, with filamentous algae growing on it, making it easier to blend into the surrounding environment. Its mouth is big, and its eyes are on the top side, quite distanced from each other.
Behavior
It is a nocturnal ambush predator. Taking advantage of its appearance to camouflage, it lies in wait in the sand, waiting for the prey to approach it, before engulfing the prey in its large mouth.
Reproduction
Females are larger than males. They have been observed spawning in aggregations in shallow waters.
Communication & Perception
Their striking appearance is a form of aposematism, a visual signal to its predators that it is dangerous and unsavory to consume.
Predator(s)
Sharks and rays
Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN Red List; 2018)
Fun Fact
The estuarine stonefish is one of the most dangerous venomous fish in the world. When disturbed, it will erect its venomous spines. If stepped on, the spines will act as hypodermic needles, injecting venom into the body. The venom can affect the cardiovascular and neuromuscular systems, and its sting is painful and known to be lethal.
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