Common name: Stonefish
General information
The Stonefish, scientifically known as Synanceia verrucosa, is renowned for being the most venomous fish in the world. Its mottled appearance and ability to blend with the rocky substrate make it a master of camouflage. This adaptation serves as a defense mechanism and aids in ambushing prey.
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 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 fish and crustaceans.
- Social
- Solo Highly territorial and solitary.
- Reefsafe
- No Venomous spines can harm tankmates.
- Aggression
- Aggresive Aggressive when disturbed.
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderScorpionfishesScorpaeniformes
- FamilyStonefishSynanceiidae
- GenusStonefishSynanceia
- SpeciesStonefishSynanceia verrucosa Bloch & Schneider, 1801
- SynonymsScorpaena brachion Lacepède, 1801Synaceia verrucosa Bloch & Schneider, 1801Synanceia brachio Cuvier, 1829Synanceichthys verrucosus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)Synanceja verrucosa Bloch & Schneider, 1801Synancejia verrucosa Bloch & Schneider, 1801Synancia verrucosa Bloch & Schneider, 1801
Care
Stonefish require expert care due to their venomous spines and specific needs. They should be housed in a species-only tank with plenty of hiding places to mimic their natural environment. Caution is advised during maintenance to avoid accidental stings. A varied diet of meaty foods like shrimp and fish is essential for their health.
Reproduction
In the wild, Stonefish are oviparous, with females laying eggs that are externally fertilized by the male. Breeding in captivity is rare and not well documented.
Habitat
Synanceia verrucosa is found in the Indo-Pacific region, often nestled in coral reefs, rocky crevices, or muddy seabeds. They can be found at depths ranging from shallow waters to 50 meters deep.