Saltwater
Stonefish
Synanceia verrucosa
Synanceiidae, Synanceiinae
Facts
Characteristics
- Length
- Up to 40 cm
- Body shape
- Streamlined
Care
- Group
- Missing
- Smallest aquarium
- 1,464 liters
- Diet
- Missing
Know what is missing? Suggest it in the app.
Behavior
Water values
Smallest tank
Range
NativeIntroduced
Lives wild in American Samoa, Australia, Bahrain, China, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Cook Islands, Djibouti, and 45 more countries.
Introduced to Türkiye.
More about the species
Description
Most widespread stonefish. Found on sandy or rubble areas of reef flats and shallow lagoons and in small pools during low tide well camouflaged among the substrate and sometimes even covered with algae. Solitary species. Feeds on fishes and crustaceans. The dorsal fin has 2 grooves serving as seringes of venom; their stings are excruciatingly painful and can occasionally be fatal. A serum exists which is effective if applied immediately after the infliction. World's most venomous fish. Uncommon in markets. In Hong Kong live fish markets. Also Ref. 57406.
Other names
Other scientific names
- Scorpaena brachion
- Synaceia verrucosa
- Synanceia brachio
- Synanceia horrida
- Synanceia thersites
- Synanceichthys verrucosa
In other languages
- Stenfisk
- Almindelig stenfisk
- Velhokala
- Dornorn, Goblinfish, Reef stonefish, Stone fish
Articles
All articles
Fish that get along4 min read
Temperament, fin nippers, fish that eat other fish, and fish that need the same water. And what the Harmony mark in the app means.
How to add new fish4 min read
From the store to the tank: how to get the fish used to your water, why you should add only a few at a time, and what to watch for in the first few days.
Quarantine for new fish3 min read
Why new fish should live in a tank of their own for a few weeks before they move in, what you need, and what to look for.
From freshwater to saltwater3 min read
What is different in a saltwater aquarium: salt, refractometer, live rock and corals. An introduction for anyone thinking of giving it a try.