The stonefish holds the Guinness World Record for having the largest venomous spines of any fish species.
Stonefish. (Photo: Vladimir Wrangel/Shutterstock).
Stonefish possess 13 venomous spines hidden along their dorsal fin. They inhabit coral reefs and typically hunt fish and crustaceans by remaining motionless until their prey comes close, at which point they strike quickly, according to the Australian Museum in Sydney.
The venom from this fish is released from the spines along its dorsal fin, containing a highly toxic substance that can cause excruciating pain and, in some cases, lead to death. The sharp spines, akin to hypodermic needles, serve as a defense mechanism and are raised when the fish feels threatened.
Each spine on the back is equipped with two external venom glands. The severity of the injury is assessed based on how many spines the victim has come into contact with and the depth to which the spines penetrate the skin.
Dr. Jamie Seymour, a toxicologist at the Fisheries Research Institute, James Cook University, Australia, tested the venom extract of the stonefish, the most venomous fish in the world, in a video posted on YouTube on June 26, 2017, according to SmarterEveryDay.
Although the pain is described as extremely agonizing, some people believe that hot water therapy can help alleviate the injury and neutralize the venom while waiting for medical assistance.
Biologist Bryan Fry, an associate professor at the University of Queensland, Australia, stated: “When a victim steps on the back of the fish, the venom glands expand and release venom from the spines along the dorsal fin.”
In 1959, an antivenom for this fish was developed to reduce the likelihood of severe complications. Every year, hundreds to thousands of people step on this venomous fish along the eastern coast of Australia.
“Stonefish” refers to five species within the genus Synanceia, including those commonly found in coral reefs (Synanceia verrucosa) and estuaries (Synanceia horrida). This fish is regarded as an “expert in camouflage” with the ability to blend in among coral or rocky substrates on the ocean floor of the Indo-Pacific region. Stonefish grow to lengths of 30 – 40 cm, are skilled at camouflage, and use speed to hunt. Once the fish identifies its prey, it strikes in just 0.015 seconds to swallow its target whole. |
