Reef Stonefish

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Indo-Pacific and Red Sea. Inhabits very shallow waters, camouflaged among coral rubble, volcanic sand and even in drying tide pools (can survive hours out of the water).

Taxonomy and Morphology: Reef Stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa). The most venomous fish in the world. It does not look like a fish, but an algae-encrusted rock. It has upward-facing eyes and a massive trap mouth. 13 rigid hypodermic dorsal spines.

Social Behavior: The living trap. It does not swim. It stays still in the same spot even for weeks, buried in the sand or among the rocks. When a fish passes by, it opens its mouth in 15 milliseconds sucking it in whole.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Extreme Camouflage. The color (gray, brown, brick red) perfectly mimics the surrounding environment. The skin is covered with spongy warts that allow real algae and sponges to grow on it. Invisible.

Aquarium Setup: Tank for slow predators (Minimum 120 cm / 48 inches). Abundant fine sand base, to allow it to bury itself, and large round rocks (among which it will camouflage). Very weak wavemakers; strong current stresses it infinitely.

Diet and Feeding: Benthic piscivore. Very difficult to accustom it to dead food. Initially eats only live fish (brackish Mollies, guppies) that pass in front of it. After long training with (long) tongs, it will accept dead whole fish moved in front of its mouth.

Water Quality: Generates very high ammonia spikes after ingesting large whole meals. Powerful skimmer essential. Prone to parasites if the water is not perfect, as it cannot swim to "shake off" the parasites.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Devours every crustacean and fish that is not at least twice its size. Coexists only with huge Morays, large Triggerfish or giant Groupers, but there is always the risk that other fish bother it thinking it is a rock.

Aquarium Reproduction: Never reproduced in captivity. Releases eggs in the open sea.

Risks and Diseases: DANGER OF DEATH (Fatal Toxin). The 13 dorsal spines contain a destructive toxin that kills tissues, stops the heart and paralyzes the nervous system in 2 hours if untreated. Tank cleaning must be done only with reinforced anti-puncture gloves, knowing EXACTLY where the fish is (often invisible).