Reef stonefish

Synanceia verrucosa

Size: 30–40 cm · 1–2.5 kg
Diet: Carnivore
Activity: Cathemeral
Sociality: Loose group
Lifespan: 5-20 years

The reef stonefish is a superbly camouflaged reef fish of the Indian and Pacific oceans. Active across day and night, it waits on the bottom like a piece of rock.

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Key facts

Reef stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa) is a carnivore animal classified as Fish · Scorpaeniformes · Synanceiidae.
Primary habitats are coral reef, with a range across Indian Ocean · Pacific Ocean.
Activity is cathemeral, sociality is loose group, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
The reef stonefish is a superbly camouflaged reef fish of the Indian and Pacific oceans.
It uses coral reefs, rocky reefs, rubble, sandy patches, and shallow nearshore areas.
Typical lifespan: 5-20 years

Sources

wikidata.org

Range

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It uses coral reefs, rocky reefs, rubble, sandy patches, and shallow nearshore areas. Uneven bottoms that match its outline provide cover.

Appearance

Length is about 30-40 cm and weight about 1-2.5 kg. A warty body, broad head, and rock-like outline conceal venomous dorsal spines.

Behavior

It moves little, often burying partly in sand or rubble. Individuals live alone or loosely spaced and react only when prey comes close.

Feeding

It is carnivorous, eating small fish and crustaceans. The mouth opens suddenly, sucking nearby prey in almost instantly.

Reproduction

Eggs are released into the sea, and larvae drift for a time. Young later settle into shallow reef or rubble habitat and live on the bottom.

Notes

Its status is listed as Least Concern. The venomous spines are defensive; avoiding accidental steps in shallow water is the main safety point.