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Meet The Two Deadliest Fish in The World

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Author Cayla de Souza, M.Sc. Ocean Sciences & Marine Biology

Synanceia is a genus of fish of the family. Synanceiidae, the stonefishes, whose members are venomous, dangerous.
Synanceia is a genus of fish of the family. Synanceiidae, the stonefishes, whose members are venomous, dangerous. Image by johnanderson via Depositphotos

When we consider the dangers of the ocean, we usually picture large, scary-looking sharks. However, these mediocre (but mean-looking) fish are more deadly than most sharks. Discover the world’s two deadliest fish, whose venom can be fatal to humans.

The Stonefish

Reef stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa).
Reef stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa). Image by wrangel via Depositphotos

The stonefish is the most venomous fish genus in the world. The genus Synanceua consists of several species of stonefish. Despite their fear-inducing venom, divers often swim right past stonefish because of their incredible camouflage abilities. Their textured skin resembles the surrounding rocks and coral.

Stonefish Venom

Synanceia verrucosa fish stone
Synanceia verrucosa fish stone Image by xload via Depositphotos

Stonefish release venom only when threatened or put under pressure, by the 13 spines that line their back. The venom is stored in two sacs at the base of each spine. Incidents between humans and stonefish usually occur when humans mistakenly step on the stonefish. The venom causes rapid swelling and intense pain at the site of the sting.

Stonefish Are Incredibly Fast

Close-up view of a Stonefish.
Close-up view of a Stonefish. Image by hdamke via Depositphotos

Stonefish are master predators, waiting patiently in the sand for the perfect moment to strike their prey. They move extremely fast, attacking their prey in as little as 0.015 seconds. They are however not aggressive towards humans, unless provoked.

Keep an Eye Out for Stonefish

Synanceia is a genus of fish of the family. Synanceiidae, the stonefishes, whose members are venomous, dangerous.
Synanceia is a genus of fish of the family. Synanceiidae, the stonefishes, whose members are venomous, dangerous. Image by johnanderson via Depositphotos

Stonefish are found along the coasts of the Indian and Pacific regions. They are extremely hardy fish that can survive up to 24 hours on land. If you see anything that looks like a stonefish on land, think twice before picking it up.

The Potent Venom of a Lionfish

Dangerous Lionfish zebra fish in the Indian ocean water. Image via Depositphotos

Lionfish are also highly venomous to humans. They use their venomous spines to fend off predators when they are threatened. This type of venomous fish belongs to the Scorpaenidae family, which means ‘scorpionfish’. The red lionfish depicted is the most common type.

Invasive species

Lion Fish in the Red Sea.
Lion Fish in the Red Sea. Image by vitaliy6447 via Depositphotos

Lionfish are highly invasive. Their expanding population threatens native species and their habitat. In the United States, people are encouraged to fish for lionfish to help limit their negative impacts on the environment.

Lionfish Appetites

Lionfish
A Lionfish Image by gilmanshin via Depositphotos

Lionfish are nicknamed the vacuums of the sea. In regions where they are prolific, they may consume 460,000 prey per acre per year. In some regions, they have reduced the native fish populations by up to 90 percent.

Conclusion

Lion fish swimming under water
Lionfish swimming underwater. Image by Winston via Depositphotos

Lionfish and stonefish stand out because of their venomous spines. The stonefish is crowned the most venomous. The lionfish, while also venomous, is well-known because of its environmental impact. As invasive species, lionfish populations pose a threat to coral reef ecosystems.

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