DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

ZOOGEOGRAPHY

ECOLOGY

BIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR

VALUE OF FISH RESOURCES

CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT

DANGEROUS MARINE FISHES

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

BIBLIOGRAPHY

SPECIES INDEX

CHAMORRO NAMES

SYNANCEIIDAE (SCORPIONFISHES)

Synanceia verrucosa Bloch & Schneider
(Stonefish; Nufu)
SL: to 35 cm (photo: 28 cm SL, Piti, 2 m)

The Stonefish is probably the world’s most venomous fish and has been responsible for human fatalities.  Its warty skin conceals 13 stout, grooved spines, each with a large venom sack at its base.  These spines are easily capable of penetrating a tennis shoe.  Most Stonefish wounds are not fatal but cause extreme pain and swelling which may result in death of the surrounding tissue or loss of wounded fingers or toes.  The Stonefish is moderately common on shallow reef flats and lagoons, particularly in areas of sand and rubble.  Its excellent camouflage and habit of burying itself in sand up to its eyes render it virtually invisible.  Fortunately it often rests against rocks and under ledges, lessening the chance of its being accidentally stepped on.  The Stonefish is generally solitary and feeds on small fishes and crustaceans which are engulfed in its enormous mouth.

INDO-PACIFIC: Red Sea to Mangareva, n.to the Ryukyus, s. to New Caledonia.