Credit River SC - Reef Stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa)
Given my caching handle is Stonesfaninto (= Stones Fan In Toronto), I had to choose a fish with Stone in its' name. And Reef is close to Keef :). Mind you when you see how ugly this fish is, perhaps not a great compliment! Happy fishing and enjoy the Sea Creatures Power Trail.
Synanceia verrucosa is a species of venomous fish in the family Synanceiidae, commonly known as the reef stonefish. It is the most widespread species of stonefish, mostly found in shallow waters of the Red Sea and the Indo-Pacific. It is the deadliest fish in the sea, with incredibly effective venom which can be lethal to humans.
Stonefish are usually brown or grey, and may have areas of yellow, orange, or red. Adults of the species routinely reach between 30 and 40 centimeters in length. One specimen of 51 centimeters has been recorded.
This stonefish lives primarily above the Tropic of Capricorn. It is the most widespread species in the stonefish family, and is known from shallow tropical marine waters in the western Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean, ranging from the Red Sea and coastal East Africa to French Polynesia, southern Japan and surrounding Taiwan.
There is also evidence showing that S. verrucosa occurs in the far eastern Mediterranean Sea, either through release of aquarium specimens or Lessepsian migration via the Suez Canal. The first documented individual was an adult that was captured in 2010 near Yavne, Israel.
This fish lives in coral reefs. It may settle on and around rocks and plants, or rest on the seabed.
The reef stonefish has evolved many adaptations to help them succeed in the reef bottom. Their skin is rocky and uneven, which helps them hide and remain camouflaged in between rocks and corals. Among these adaptations are the 13 dorsal spines that protect the animal when necessary. Wikipedia