Synanceia verrucosa

Datasheet

General Description
The Stonefish, scientifically known as Synanceia verrucosa, belongs to the Synanceiidae family and is commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea and East Africa to French Polynesia. These fish are notorious for being one of the most poisonous species globally, camouflaging themselves as stones on the ocean floor for protection. They have a maximum size of 40.0cm and are recognizable for their hardened appearance and potent venom.

Aquarium Suitability
Due to their highly venomous nature, Stonefish are generally not recommended for home aquariums. They have specific care requirements and are best left in their natural habitat for safety reasons.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness
Stonefish are known to be hardy creatures that do not require a vast swimming area. However, they have specific dietary preferences, often feeding on small live fish and shrimp. Their diet should be highly nutritious and varied, fed to them around twice a week until they are satiated. It's essential to be cautious when handling Stonefish due to their poisonous spines.

Reef Suitability
While Stonefish can coexist with reef environments, caution is advised due to their venomous nature. It is crucial to ensure proper handling and safety measures when introducing them to a reef aquarium.

Aquarium Setup
When setting up an aquarium for Stonefish, it is recommended to use a special substrate resembling their natural habitat, such as coral gravel or fine sand. This substrate allows them to bury themselves, mimicking their behavior in the wild and providing them with a sense of security.

Behaviour
Stonefish are typically peaceful creatures but can be voracious predators, consuming anything small enough to fit into their mouths. They are known to eat live fish, shrimp, and other small marine organisms. However, they may also resort to cannibalism if the size difference is significant.

Feeding and Diet
Stonefish prefer live feed, such as live fish or shrimp, with some individuals refusing dead food altogether. Frozen food can be offered to them using tweezers, and it must be moved enticingly for them to engage with it. Their diet should consist of whole fish and shrimp to ensure they receive optimal nutrition.

Habitat and Distribution
Stonefish are predominantly found in the East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean, Australia, The Red Sea, and Indonesia. Their distribution spans a wide area encompassing various reef systems and coastal waters where they can camouflage seamlessly in their surroundings.