The reef stonefish is a master of camouflage, lying motionless on the seabed disguised as a rock or chunk of coral. Growing to around 40 cm, this stocky fish is covered in bumps and ridges that blend perfectly with reef rubble and sand in Indo-Pacific waters, typically at depths between 5 and 60 metres. Its venomous dorsal spines are a serious hazard—stepping on or handling one risks painful envenomation. Hunt for it by scanning the bottom carefully; a stonefish reveals itself only when disturbed, or occasionally when it drifts slightly with the current to feed on passing fish and crustaceans.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Teleostei
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Synanceiidae
- Genus
- Synanceia
Most likely to be seen at
Sites where its range and habitat make it likely — not yet confirmed by a logged sighting.