00:00In the warm, crystal-clear waters where corals shine and tourists walk barefoot along the shore,
00:06hides a killer you'll never see coming. This, is the stonefish.
00:12Stonefish is considered the most venomous fish in the world.
00:16Its name comes from its ability to look exactly like a rock or stone,
00:20making it extremely hard to spot in its natural habitat.
00:24Appearance. The body is rough, brown or gray,
00:27often covered with algae or sand, blending perfectly with the seabed.
00:33It stays motionless on the ocean floor, waiting to ambush prey.
00:38Venom and Danger. It has 13 sharp dorsal spines connected to venom glands.
00:43When stepped on or handled, these spines inject venom that can cause intense pain,
00:48swelling, breathing difficulty, irregular heartbeat, paralysis, and even death if untreated.
00:55Habitat.
00:55Stonefish are found mainly in tropical waters of the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean,
01:01especially, northern coasts of Australia.
01:05Indonesia.
01:06The Philippines.
01:08Papua New Guinea.
01:10Some areas of the Red Sea.
01:13They live in shallow waters, coral reefs, muddy or sandy sea bottoms.
01:18Prevention.
01:20Avoid walking barefoot in shallow rocky waters.
01:22Wear protective water shoes.
01:24If stung, immerse the affected area in hot water to help neutralize venom and seek urgent medical help.
01:31If stung, immerse the affected area in hot water to help neutralize venom and seek urgent medical help.
01:31The side to undercliffe of the Red Sea.
01:39The hind
01:45hadn't reasoned to worry about Western Solomon's Rocky Ocean.
