Scorpionfishes and their relatives are the largest group of fishes with venomous spines. These include stonefishes, lionfishes, velvetfishes, turkeyfishes, waspfishes and flatheads. Most species are marine and representatives are found in all tropical and temperate seas of the world. They are all carnivores and most are ambush predators with very effective camouflage. More than twenty species of these venomous fishes occur in Victoria
Soldierfish, Gymnapistes marmoratus
Photographer: Rudie Kuiter. Source: Aquatic Photographics
Although the best-known and most dangerous of this group is the deadly Stonefish (genus Synaceia) which is found in tropical waters, all Victorian species have venom associated with their spines. While only the Stonefish can cause fatalities, all can cause an extremely painful sting. And, it’s not just the fin spines – many species have venomous spines on their heads. Care must be taken when handling these fishes or walking in shallow algal areas or seagrass beds.
Head of a Soldierfish, Gymnapistes marmoratus, showing large spines.
Photographer: Dianne Bray. Source: Museum Victoria
Probably the most common culprits in areas such as Victoria’s Port Phillip Bay are: the diminutive Little Scorpionfish Maxillacosta scabriceps and the closely related Whitleys Scorpionfish, Maxillacosta whitleyi, which live in sandy areas, and the Soldierfish Gymnapistes marmoratus of mud and seagrass patches.
Little Scorpionfish, Maxillacosta scabriceps
Photographer: Rudie Kuiter. Source: Aquatic Photographics
The odd little Goblinfish, Glyptauchen panduratus, resembles the tropical Stonefish, but is more closely related to the Soldierfish and has a similar sting.
Goblinfish, Glyptauchen panduratus
Photographer: Rudie Kuiter. Source: Aquatic Photographics
The much larger Ruddy Gurnard Perch, Neosebastes scorpaenoides, is frequently taken on hook and line by anglers and must be handled with caution.
Ruddy Gurnard Perch, Neosebastes scorpaenoides
Photographer: Rudie Kuiter. Source: Aquatic Photographics
Further Reading
Edmonds, C. 1989. Dangerous Marine Creatures. Reed, Sydney.
Gomon, M. F., Glover, C. J. M. and Kuiter, R. H. (eds). Fishes of Australia’s South Coast. State Print, Adelaide.
Halstead, B. W. 1970. Poisonous and venomous marine animals of the world. Volume 3. US Goverment Printing Office, Washington DC.
Paxton, J. R. and Eschmeyer, W. N. (Eds). 2003. Encyclopedia of Fishes. 3rd Edition. Fog City Press, San Francisco.
Sutherland, S. & Sutherland, J. 1999. Venomous Creatures of Australia. Oxford University Press, South Melbourne, Victoria.