Estuarine stonefish

Appearance

The maximum length of the species is up to 60 cm . It is drab in colour, brownish to reddish brown, which aids in its ability to camouflage itself among the rocks of many of the tropical reefs. It shares many characteristics with ''Synanceia verrucosa'', but has more elevated eyes than that species. It has a sedentary habit, operating as an ambush predator, but can quickly open its mouth to gulp in its prey.
It eats mostly small fish, shrimp and other crustaceans, waiting until its prey swims nearby.
It was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1766.

Distribution

The species is coastal areas of the Indo-West Pacific: India to China, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea and Australia, and is also recorded in Vanuatu. Its main habitat is on or near coral reefs or in estuaries, in marine or estuarine waters. It camouflages itself around dull coloured plants, near and about rocks, or found dormant in the mud or sand.

Habitat

The species is coastal areas of the Indo-West Pacific: India to China, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea and Australia, and is also recorded in Vanuatu. Its main habitat is on or near coral reefs or in estuaries, in marine or estuarine waters. It camouflages itself around dull coloured plants, near and about rocks, or found dormant in the mud or sand.

Defense

The Stonefish is the most venomous fish in the world. Its dorsal area is lined with 13 spines that release venom from two sacs attached to each spine. 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. Immediate first aid treatment requires immersion of the affected limb in hot water, ensuring that it is not so hot that skin damage may occur. The immobilisation of venom at penetration site by tourniquet or firm constrictive bandaging is no longer recommended.

The venom consists of a mixture of proteins, including the hemolytic stonustoxin, the neurotoxic trachynilysin and the cardioactive cardioleputin; an antivenin is available.

The venom is protein based, and it can be denatured by the application of a very hot compress to the injury site. Some relief can be gained from infiltrating the wound with a local anaesthetic. This is a temporary measure to reduce localized pain and shock. Medical aid must be sought at the earliest opportunity. Typically, surviving victims suffer localized nerve damage occasionally leading to atrophy of adjoining muscle tissues.

There have been unproven reports of osteo-arthritic sufferers experiencing improved mobility and reduction in joint pain following envenomation episode. The responsible agent has not been identified.

The pain is said to be so bad that the victims of its sting want the affected limb to be amputated. The poisonous sting of Scorpion Fish and Lionfish are said to deliver almost the same level of pain.
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