Species learning profile
Reef stonefish
Synanceia verrucosa
Reef stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa) is a saltwater fish associated with reef habitat in Indo-Pacific. It is a master of camouflage with highly venomous dorsal spines.
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Previously featured in Fishdle
At a glance
- Water
- Salt water
- Habitat
- Reef
- Maximum length
- 40 cm
- Range
- Indo-Pacific
- Family
- Synanceiidae
- Order
- Scorpaeniformes
Observe
How to identify Reef stonefish
- Mottled brown, grey, red, or yellow like a rock.
- Knobbly and lumpy with an upturned mouth and a row of stout top spines.
- Reported maximum length: 40 cm — up to about the length of a guitar. Maximum is not the same as typical adult size.
Field note: color, size, and markings can change with age, sex, season, depth, and lighting. Use several traits together.
Place and pattern
Where it lives—and how it behaves
Habitat and range
This species is associated with reef habitat across Indo-Pacific. Reef crevices provide shelter while current, coral, algae, and neighboring animals supply food.
Behavior
Uses reef habitat for feeding, shelter, migration, or reproduction.
Food-web connections
What it eats and why it matters
Diet
A species-specific mix of plant material, plankton, invertebrates, or other fish.
Ecological role
Its feeding helps shape the balance among algae, coral, invertebrates, and other reef fish..
Remember
One fact worth keeping
It is a master of camouflage with highly venomous dorsal spines.
Think like a conservationist
A conservation lens
Reef fish are affected by coral loss, warming, destructive fishing, pollution, and the removal of key grazers or predators.
This habitat lens is not a current population-status assessment. Status can differ among regions and change as new assessments are published; follow the reference links and local fisheries or wildlife agencies for current decisions.
Recall
Quick knowledge check
Which habitat is most closely associated with Reef stonefish in this guide?
Keep exploring
References and further reading
Fishdle summarizes stable identification and ecology concepts in plain language. Taxonomy and population knowledge continue to change, so use primary assessments and regional authorities for conservation or management decisions.
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