Stonefish are native to tropical waters, so you’ve no need to worry about getting stung by one in UK waters. Some species of larger sea snakes have also been known to eat them, using their own venomous bite to tackle and take down these lethal fish. Sharks and rays aren’t the only marine animals which, given the chance, would prey on stonefish. ![]() Remember, they are covered in lethal barbs which can easily paralyse or kill animals like small sharks and rays, or else cause severe pain, so predators do run something of a gauntlet when attempting to feed on them. Which Animals Prey on Stonefish?įew animals actively seek out stonefish as their primary source of food, but several opportunistic hunters will tackle these ferocious fish if they’re desperate and in need of a meal. ![]() Most often, they swallow fish and small crustaceans whole, before returning to the seafloor to wait for their next victim. They spring from their hidey-hole, catching their prey in their huge, gaping mouths. Sometimes, stonefish may stay in one place for hours at a time, which further enhances their camouflage and makes it less likely that they’ll fall victim to a passing predator.Īt the moment of strike, stonefish are surprisingly quick and agile. Instead, they remain as still as a stone until their catch is within biting distance – often a mere body-length away from where they’re hiding in wait. When stonefish identify their prey, there’s little in the way of pursuit. Thanks to their relatively flat, wide shape, they’re able to squat close to the sea or reef bed, where they use their incredible camouflage to wait, undetected, for their unsuspecting prey to wander past. Stonefish are bottom-dwelling ambush predators that rely on camouflage and patience to catch their prey. Appearance-wise, they’re easily one of the most striking bottom-dwellers in our oceans, with algae-encrusted, grey-green skin that’s orange and yellow in patches – perfect for camouflaging against the colourful reef systems of the tropics. Stonefish measure around 14-20 inches in length and, quite often, the same across thanks to their wide, rounded pectoral fins. They’re adept ambush predators, relying on their camouflage to lie in wait for their prey, before striking with their huge, powerful jaws, and swallowing their catch whole. Stonefish prey on reef fishes, small invertebrates and other marine animals which also make their home among the reefs. Their craggy, scaly skin blends seamlessly with an array of rocks, coral and sand, to the point where it can be difficult to see them at all. Given they’re ambush predators, stonefish stay close to coral and rocky reefs, often camouflaging themselves against the seafloor. They’re also found in the Red Sea, and are common among the colourful flora of Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef. Stonefish are native to tropical waters, from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific. Stonefish venom is delivered through a row of spikes along their back, so when they’re hunkered on the seabed, they’re well protected from above.īecause stonefish are ambush predators who feed from the seabed, most stings in humans happen as a result of standing on one – something so painful, it makes our eyes water just thinking about. This potent venom, coupled with extraordinary camouflage abilities, make the stonefish a rare meal for animals that would otherwise prey on them. The sting of a stonefish is incredibly painful, so even in the case of some of the fish’s biggest predators – like tiger sharks – it’s usually enough to deter or fend off attacks. Instead, it’s there for defence against predators. Thankfully, effective anti-venoms are available, though these need to administer quickly to prevent severe symptoms like tissue necrosis, paralysis and heart failure.ĭespite what you might think, stonefish don’t use their venom to kill their prey. They sure are! Of the estimated 1,200 venomous fish species on Earth, the stonefish is the most lethal – with enough toxin to kill an adult human in under an hour.
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