The devil-faced fish, renowned for its enormous venom gland, is the largest of any other fish. These fish possess 13 poisonous spines hidden along their dorsal fin and dwell on coral reefs. They ambush their prey by lying motionless and waiting until it approaches before attacking swiftly, as reported by the Australian Museum in Sydney.
The venom extracted from the spines is highly toxic and can cause severe pain and even death. The sharp spines on this fish serve as a defense mechanism and are raised when it feels threatened. Each spine is equipped with two external venom glands, and the severity of the wound inflicted depends on how deeply they are embedded in the skin.
Stonefish, known to be the most poisonous fish in the world, was tested by Dr. Jamie Seymour, a toxicologist at the Institute of Fisheries Research, James Cook University, Australia. Despite the extreme pain caused by its venom, some people believe that hot water therapy can help soothe the wound and neutralize the poison until medical help arrives. A specific antivenom for this fish was developed in 1959 to reduce complications in those affected by its venom.
The devil-faced fish belongs to the genus Synanceia and includes species that inhabit coral reefs and estuaries. These fish are adept at blending into their surroundings with their excellent camouflage skills and high-speed hunting abilities that allow them to capture their prey quickly. This master of hiding among corals or reefs at the bottom of the Indo-Pacific region makes it a formidable predator for those who cross its path.
