Stonefish: The marine creature with needle-sharp spines
Our ocean is full of bizarre marine creatures. Some of them are dangerously toxic! Well, one such creature is the stonefish. These creatures were originally located in muddy or rocky bottom of the Indo-Pacific Ocean's shallow waters. However, now you can find them throughout the Caribbean and Florida water.
Across the world, there are five known species of stonefish. It has a textured thick skin which is bumpy and covered with lumps and fleshy flaps on the bottom. It also has a large mouth and head along with small eyes and can weigh up to around 2 kg. Stonefish can survive for 24 hours outside water by absorbing oxygen from the skin! Also, it is considered as one of the most poisonous fish in the ocean. Did you know that this creature can kill us? Here are some of the lesser-known facts about this marine fish.
Stonefish have deadly spines
The back of the stonefish has 13 needle-sharp spines. The base of each spine has two sacs that contain venom. This creature uses poison for its defence if someone applies pressure on them. If you mistake this fish for rock and accidentally step on it during a low tide, the stonefish will open its spines and release poison. However, they use the venom-loaded spines only for defence purposes, never for hunting.
The venom can cause immense pain that can worsen within minutes leading to swelling. The symptoms can rapidly deteriorate, leading to paralysis, heart failure and sometimes, even death. This means you need a doctor immediately if a stonefish stings you. The stonefish anti-venom was developed in 1959, a medication that helps reduce the chances of death. Typically, it takes about one or two days to completely recover. However, you might still experience tingling or numbness for several weeks after a sting. Some may experience persistent pain for a long time. You will be shocked to know Australia alone annually reports nearly 1000 deaths due to stonefish stings!
They are masters of disguise
Stonefish have a brown or grey body with yellow, red, or orange patches. The combination of colours helps them blend excellently with the surrounding coral and rocks. Additionally, they are also 30-40 centimetres in length, the size of a typical stone! While swimming, you might not even know that you just passed by a stonefish! Stonefish use their camouflage capability to sneak up on their prey like shrimp or other smaller fish.
They are excellent hunters
Stonefish do not use their spines to hunt. They simply wait for a fish to swim nearby them. Once the fish is close enough, they open their giant mount and eat them. They are so fast during hunting that it takes them less than 0.015 seconds to attack and swallow their prey! Despite their excellent speed, they swim very slowly.
Stonefish have switchblades under their eyes
It has been found recently that there is a sabre or switchblade beneath the eyes of stonefish. Though not venomous, this sabre (a sword-like structure) acts as an additional defensive mechanism. This marine creature has to squeeze its cheek muscles to put it to use. What’s interesting is, this sabre glows too!