Details
Synanceia verrucosa
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.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It uses coral reefs, rocky reefs, rubble, sandy patches, and shallow nearshore areas. Uneven bottoms that match its outline provide cover.
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.
It moves little, often burying partly in sand or rubble. Individuals live alone or loosely spaced and react only when prey comes close.
It is carnivorous, eating small fish and crustaceans. The mouth opens suddenly, sucking nearby prey in almost instantly.
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.
Its status is listed as Least Concern. The venomous spines are defensive; avoiding accidental steps in shallow water is the main safety point.
