Estuarine Stonefish

A drab species, usually brownish grey to reddish brown with a pattern of fine lines across the caudal fin. Eyes well elevated compared to the reef stonefish S. verrucosa (Ref. 48635).Description: Characterized by having dorsal spines almost equal in length, longest are second to fourth; large and fleshy pectoral fin; broad and depressed head; relatively small and widely separated eyes; dorsal mouth opening, vertical gape; fringe of cirri on lips; depth of body about 2.5 in SL (Ref. 90102).

Dorsal spines (total): 13 - 14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 6; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 5

Inhabits coastal reefs and estuaries (Ref. 9710). Makes a shallow depression by scooping up sand or mud with its pectoral fins until it is piled up around the sides of its body. Lies motionless on sandy bottom areas. Comes out at night and often moves on top of reefs (Ref. 48635). In Guinness Book of Records as most venomous fish (Ref. 6472).

Inhabits coastal reefs and estuaries (Ref. 9710). Makes a shallow depression by scooping up sand or mud with its pectoral fins until it is piled up around the sides of its body. Lies motionless on sandy bottom areas. Comes out at night and often moves on top of reefs (Ref. 48635). In Guinness Book of Records as most venomous fish (Ref. 6472). Solitary in coral rubble and rocks, extremely difficult to detect (Ref 90102).

aquarium: public aquariums