This ugly mottled creature typically hides among warm water reefs, rocks and mudbanks and is considered the most venomous fish in the world. Cleverly camouflaged, unsuspecting folks stand on its poisonous dorsal spines triggering an excruciating pain. There are a number of documented deaths in Australia and the Pacific Islands with more northerly coastal hospitals carrying antivenin.
This photo is taken from an aquarium, its wonderful colouring and evil spines highlighting the danger these fish pose on the low water tidal reefs.
h myy ! Is that a fish ? Clearly camouflaged....
ReplyDeleteWhich part of Australia are they fund most?
I had to do a double (triple?) take to find that fish in there. Gulp. :-)
ReplyDeleteOf course this would be in Australia!! Very cool - it reminds me of the Discovery LIFE series that's going on now!
ReplyDeleteI hope that I never step on that one by mistake!
ReplyDelete@nisha: Wonderfully adapted. They primarily live in the warmer waters in north-east (around the Barrier Reef).
ReplyDelete@cherrye: Their camouflage is superb.
@sherry: Yes, I'm not doing much for breaking Australia's reputation for venomous critters.
@heather: Very few actually. As they say, you are more likely to be hit crossing the road to the beach by a car.
Ouch, ouch, ouch.... I hope I'll stay clear of them if and when I'm going there!!!
ReplyDelete@lifecruiser: I suspect you;d love a sail around the majestic Barrier Reef.
ReplyDeleteOuch! Made my foot hurt just to read it.
ReplyDelete@barbara: Fortunately you rarely hear of people standing on these nasty sea creatures.
ReplyDeleteaside this ugly fish Australia has plenty of dangerous animals roaming around both in the ocean and on the ground that you need to watch out like the deadly little box jellyfish and many spiders
ReplyDeletehttp://www.atravelaroundtheworld.com/2009/09/wild-world-australias-unique-and.html
Thanks for sharing this one. It is very interesting.
ReplyDelete