Common name: Rough stonefish
General information
The Estuarine Stonefish, scientifically known as Synanceia horrida, is one of the most venomous fish in the world. It is a master of camouflage, blending seamlessly with its surroundings, which often leads to unintentional encounters with unwary aquarists or swimmers. Its mottled appearance and rough texture allow it to mimic the look of a rock or coral.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 35 cm (1′2″)
- Care level
- Moderate to difficult Handle with extreme care due to venom.
- Diet
- Carnivore Feeds on live fish and crustaceans.
- Social
- Solo Highly territorial and solitary.
- Reefsafe
- No Venomous spines can harm tankmates.
- Aggression
- Aggresive Aggressive, especially when disturbed.
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderScorpionfishesScorpaeniformes
- FamilyStonefishSynanceiidae
- GenusStonefishSynanceia
- SpeciesRough stonefishSynanceia horrida (Linnaeus, 1766)
- SynonymsScorpaena horrida Linnaeus, 1766Synanceia horrid (Linnaeus, 1766)Synanceia trachynis Richardson, 1842Synanceja horrida (Linnaeus, 1766)Synanceja trachynis Richardson, 1842Synaneceiea horrida (Linnaeus, 1766)
Care
Keeping Synanceia horrida in a home aquarium is not recommended due to its highly venomous spines. However, for public aquariums or experienced hobbyists with a specific interest in venomous species, a species-specific tank with plenty of hiding places and a sandy substrate is essential. The tank should be securely covered to prevent escape and to protect the keeper from accidental stings.
Reproduction
Little is known about the reproductive habits of Synanceia horrida in the wild or in captivity. They are presumed to be oviparous, with females laying eggs that are fertilized externally.
Habitat
Synanceia horrida is found in shallow waters, often in estuaries or amongst mangroves, but also on coral reefs. They are distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to the coasts of Australia.
Due to their dangerous nature, these fish are typically not kept by hobbyists, but they serve as a reminder of the incredible adaptations and survival strategies found in marine life.