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Synanceia verrucosa is a species of venomous fish in the family Synanceiidae, commonly known as the Reef Stonefish. The Reef Stonefish is the most widespread species of stonefish, found in shallow waters of the Red Sea and the Indo-Pacific. It is the deadliest fish in the sea, with its venom being incredibly harmful to humans. Stonefish venom can be fatal at a dose of only 18mg, which the fish is capable of releasing with only six of its thirteen spines. The protein makeup differs between the three species of stonefish, but in Reef stonefish the fatal protein is the verrucotoxin protein. The Reef Stonefish lives most of its life as a solitary animal, and during mating season only aggregates with the opposite sex for a short time. When a female stonefish has reached sexual maturity, she will lay her unfertilized eggs on the floor of the reef. A male will then swim by and release sperm onto the layer of eggs, fertilizing them. Stonefish eggs are fairly large, with young fish hatching well developed. The mating system of the Reef Stonefish is promiscuity, as the female will not discriminate between which males can lay their sperm on the egg layer. Sexual dimorphism is apparent in reef stonefish, with females being larger than males. The Reef Stonefish has evolved many adaptations to help them succeed in the reef bottom. Their skin is rocky and uneven, which helps them hide and remain camouflaged in between rocks and corals. Among these adaptations are the 13 dorsal spines that protect the animal when necessary. Its venom is used only in defensive situations but can be every effective. The Reef Stonefish is carnivorous, and feeds on smaller fish, shrimp, and small crustaceans. It captures prey by sitting motionless on the reef floor and waiting for animals to swim by. The stonefish will then engulf its prey, doing so at incredible speeds. Some stonefish have been recorded striking their prey in .015 seconds.

Stonefish on the reef floor

Full view of the Reef Stonefish