So they only use the spines when a predator is too close or aggravating them. They use the spines only as a defense mechanism to stay alive, mostly to avoid bottom dwelling sharks. They don’t even use their venomous spines to attack fish. Like most small animals, stonefish do not target people as prey or enemies without provocation. No, stonefish do not attack people and only inject venom when touched or stepped on.

It can take a few days of soaking in hot water to render the venom harmless. It’s crucial that the water is hot and yet not going to give you any kind of serious burn. If you are unable to reach a hospital, prepare some hot water – as hot as you can stand, around 113☏ (45☌) and soak the affected area for 30-90 minutes. You must rely on others to help you reach the hospital.Īt the hospital, victims will likely receive a tetanus shot, an antibiotic covering marine organisms, lidocaine injections for pain, hot water immersion treatment, and constant monitoring for a couple of days. You won’t be able to do anything for yourself. The venom has the potential to disrupt breathing and heart rhythm and beating. The nerves control our muscles and mind and are part of the electrical system in our bodies.

The venom stonefish inject is neurotoxic and affects the nerves.

When you are stung, Immediately notify other people that you have been stung and tell them to take you to the hospital as fast as possible. What Should I Do If Stung by a Stonefish?

necrosis (dead tissue) at the sting site.

You will not be able to take care of yourself if envenomated, you need help quickly. Your entire arm or leg will swell up in minutes. The strong venom acts quickly to cause intense (excruciating) pain and swelling. The venom has a strong neurotoxin (nerve toxin) – trachynilysin and a cardiotoxin (heart toxin) – cardioleputin that act together to render the person virtually helpless. The venomous spines (there are 13 of them) inject venom in direct proportion to how hard the pressure is on the spines, so if you hit it hard more venom will be injected than if you just barely touch it. Usually someone steps on one hidden in shallow water in their bare feet. They are also known to swim up river and live a few hundred yards up into freshwater. Stonefish live in the ocean in shallow water on the bottom and on coral reef and rocks. Stonefish venom is stronger than lionfish and their venomous barbs are thicker and more efficient for injecting venom. In the Scorpaenidae family, the same as the lionfish, the species name is Synanceia horrida. What Is a Stonefish?Ī bottom dwelling blob of a fish that looks more like a stone or rock or coral than it does a fish. Here we tell you everything you need to know to avoid this deadly fish. Antivenom has been developed that greatly reduces deaths. The last death in Australia from the stonefish occurred in 1915. Stonefish are known as the world’s most deadly venomous fish. In 2010 a Japanese diving instructor died within 2 hours after stepping on one in shallow water 1. Stonefish are capable of injecting strong venom through their short venomous barbs which can cause medical emergency and even death within a couple hours of envenomation. Stonefish are closely related to the scorpionfish, also known as the lionfish here in Florida.

Stone fish florida