Animal Profiles
Fish

Stonefish

Synanceiidae

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Stonefishes are strongly camouflaged marine predators. This account describes the reef stonefish, which resembles part of the seabed while waiting to take nearby fishes and crustaceans.

Reef stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa) photographed in an aquarium.

Reef stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa) photographed in an aquarium.

Karelj · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Synanceia verrucosa is the representative used here. It inhabits shallow Indo-Pacific reef flats and lagoons, including sandy or rubble-covered places and pools exposed at low tide.
Habitat
Coral reef, Coast
Diet
Carnivore
Food
Fishes and crustaceans provide food.

Classification

Common name
Stonefish
Browse group
Fish
Scientific name or taxon
Synanceiidae
Taxon rank
family
Order
Scorpaeniformes
Family
Synanceiidae
Source classification
Actinopterygii

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Its dorsal spines carry venom.
  • It is strongly camouflaged.
  • It eats fishes and crustaceans.

Habitat and range

Synanceia verrucosa is the representative used here. It inhabits shallow Indo-Pacific reef flats and lagoons, including sandy or rubble-covered places and pools exposed at low tide.

Appearance and adaptations

The irregular body surface and colours match surrounding rock and debris. Strong grooved dorsal spines connect with venom sacs. Its outline can remain difficult to distinguish even at close range.

Diet and behaviour

Fishes and crustaceans provide food. The species is usually solitary and spends much time close to the bottom. Camouflage supports ambush feeding rather than active pursuit through open water.

Sources

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