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Stonefish

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iStonefish

Image:Stone Fish at AQWA SMC2006.jpg

Conservation status

Not evaluated (NE)

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Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Scorpaeniformes
Family:	Synanceiidae
Genus:	Synanceia
Species:	S. verrucosa

Binomial name

Synanceia verrucosa
Bloch & Schneider, 1801

Image:Scorpionfish.jpg

The stonefish, Synanceia verrucosa, also known as the reef stonefish or dornorn, is a carnivorous ray-finned fish with venomous spines that lives on the sea bed, camouflaged as a rock. It is the most widespread species of the stonefishes family, and is known to be found in the shallow tropical marine waters of the Pacific and Indian oceans, ranging from the Red Sea to the Queensland Great Barrier Reef.

The average length of most stonefish is about 35-50 centimeters. It has a mottled greenish to mostly brown color which aids in its ability to camouflage itself among the rocks of many of the tropical reefs. The fish eats mostly small fish, shrimp and other crustaceans. Its dorsal area is lined with spines that release a venomous toxin. It is the most dangerous of known venomous fish and its venom causes severe pain with possible shock, paralysis, and tissue death depending on the depth of the penetration. This level can be fatal to humans if not given medical attention within a couple of hours. Their primary commercial significance is as aquarium pets, but they are also sold for their meat in Hong Kong markets.

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