Naturalist Daniel Brown has eloquently described how he narrowly escaped a gruesome death after nearly stepping on a “stone fish” while exploring rock pools at Lee Point, near Darwin, in northern Australia.
It is the most poisonous fish in the world. When a stonefish pierces human flesh, its venom can cause heart failure or excruciating pain for days in about half an hour.
Associate professor Bryan Fry, who runs the University of Queensland’s Laboratory of Venom Evolution, told Newsweek that the pain is so severe that “people can die from the shock caused by the pain within the first few minutes. The venom can kill and cause cardiovascular collapse. Usually within 30 minutes of bites.” Then.” He left some good advice at the end: “If you see a stonefish, stay away from it”.
The animal has a peculiar shape, resembling many rocks found in the sea, and hides among the sand and rocks, like a camouflage master. Fish store their venom at the base of the 13 sharp spines that cover their dorsal fin and use the toxin as a form of defense when they feel threatened.
“Be careful where you step on the beach, folks. Not all rocks are really rocks. We went exploring the rock pools at Lee Point on Sunday at low tide. We were looking for the world’s most venomous octopus. [polvo de anéis azuis]. We couldn’t find it. Instead, we found the world’s most poisonous fish!” Daniel wrote a warning on his Facebook account.
source: Noticias
