Stonefish

About the Stonefish

The most venomous fish in the world. Their dorsal spines inject venom that causes excruciating pain, tissue death, and potentially death within hours if untreated. They are virtually invisible, looking exactly like coral or rocks. They can survive 24 hours out of water. They are ambush predators, waiting days for prey to swim close. The antidote to their venom is heat - immersing the wound in hot water destroys the protein-based toxin. They are eaten as a delicacy in some Asian countries after removing the venom glands. Over 5 species exist. They can be found in shallow water where people wade.