Stonefish
Synanceia verrucosa
With more than 1,200 species, venomous fish far outnumber the amount of poisonous snakes and poisonous invertebrates combined. The most notable of these poisonous fish include stonefish, catfish, lionfish, scorpion fish and stargazers. These fish have the capability to produce their own toxins and inject venom through their spines located in their fins, tentacles or bite. More than 50,000 injuries are reported annually. Of these, most are reported as blisters but if untreated, can be deadly.
The stonefish is classified as the most dangerous known venomous fish. The stonefish is found in shallow marine waters in the Pacific and Indian oceans. Ranging from to about 1 to 2 feet in length, its diet consists of mostly small fish such as crustaceans. The fish's coloring gives it the capability to camouflage itself among rocks in tropical reefs, making it an easy target for people to step on accidentally. The dorsal area is lined with spikes that release a venomous toxin, and if injected into a person, will cause severe pain. Depending on the depth of the penetration to the wound, there is a possibility of shock, paralysis and tissue death. If not medically treated within a couple of hours, the level of toxicity can be fatal to humans.
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