Stonefish

• Stonefish are one of the most venomous of all known fish.
  

• They have been so named, due to looking like a rock and that they are often found on beds of stones.
  

• As they live on the sea bed their eyes have adapted to look upwards.
  

• They can be found in tropical marine waters, mainly northern Queensland to the north of Western Australia.
  

• Some species can live in rivers.
  

• It has 13 strong spines along its back, which will raise if threatened and each spine is surrounded by a sac of venom.
  

• As a defence mechanism, if trodden on, the spines react and pierce the skin, which compresses the sac, and releases venom into the wound.
  

• If stung, the pain can be excruciating and death can follow.
  

• You can be stung, even on the beach, as they can survive out of water for up to 24 hours

• Anti-venom is available through the Commonwealth Serum Laboratory.

• Anti-venom against a Stonefish sting is the 2nd most used in Australia.

• If stung, the number of puncture wounds will determine the amount of anti-venom required.

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