STONEFISH

The stonefish is a highly venomous marine fish known for its exceptional camouflage and potent toxins.

As ambush predators, they hide motionless on the seafloor, perfectly blending in with their surroundings, making them dangerous to unwary.

Along their back is a ridge of 13 needle-sharp dorsal spines, each with two venom sacs at its base. When pressure is applied, such as by an animal or person stepping on it, the spines inject venom. The amount of venom injected is proportional to the pressure.

The venomous spines are used purely for defense, not for catching prey. A stonefish sting is a defensive reflex, not an act of aggression.

LEAST CONCERN (LC):
Less likely to become endangered anytime soon.