August 27, 2010

Danger in disguise

No, it's not a rock. It's found underwater in the coastal areas of the western Pacific Ocean, but neither is it coral. It just happens to be one of the most venomous fish in the world, though I saw it safely behind glass at the Manila Ocean Park. The Estuarine Stonefish (Synanceia horrida) camouflages itself among rocks at the bottom of tropical reefs, where it lies in ambush for shrimp and small fish to swim by. If you are having a difficult time seeing the fish, try to locate its deeply-frowning mouth on the left, then its dark eye bugging out, one fin at the bottom of the tank, and finally, the venomous spines which run along its top. See it now?

Estuarine Stonefish

27 comments:

Rachel said...

wow! the colors are so vibrant! How did you get this picture though?

Living In Williamsburg Virginia said...

Great photo and what excellent camo he has.

Darryl and Ruth : )

Anonymous said...

What a teacher - great colours indeed. Please have a good Friday.

daily athens

George said...

I'm glad you described how to see this fish. This is a very informative post. Thanks!

Al said...

Great post and photo. This is a little scary to me, I would tread on it before I ever saw it, and I think that would be very unhealthy.

PJ said...

Without your assistance I don't think I would have sussed it out. Aquariums are wonderful ways to learn about sea life. Spectacular, H.

lewi14@gmail.com said...

Looks like an underwater monster. Fantastic shot!

Dina said...

Eeuw. That's scary!

Olivier said...

ca fait un peu peur ;) mais les couleurs sont flashy

Boom Nisanart said...

Vibrant color ! and look Camouflage for me : )

Cezar and Léia said...

Wow I took some time to see the first in the picture, it's really different, impressive capture!
Léia

Mike Rose said...

Hilda great picture. I have heard of stone fish before but didn't realise they were so colourful.

BTW my anti-virus gives a warning if I click on the picture to view full size.

Mike Rose said...

Hilda just checked with my AV (Norton) it refers to a Google server(images) so it doesn't refer to your specific photograph just a dodgy one that has been there at some time I guess.

False positive

joo said...

I've never seen anything like this and to be honest I wouldn't like to meet it!

BIYAHENG PINOY said...

I like the texture of the image. :)

http://biyahengpinoy.com/

Halcyon said...

I see it. He's a little creepy.

johnny said...

Relamente es díficil de ver, pero lo he visto¡¡ Increíble¡¡¡¡¡
Besos

Lianne said...

i've been wanting to go to manila ocean park. i'm just worried that its over priced. they say you've gone through the park in 30 minutes?

leethroughthelens.blogspot.com

penny said...

He certainly is fierce looking but I like his vivid warning colors. He really is beautiful in a strange way, isn't he, Hilda.
Enjoy your weekend ;)

JTG (Misalyn) said...

interesting. I clicked on the picture to enlarge. Informative post. Thanks for sharing.

Rob Siemann said...

Fishy, stay away from us.

Photo Cache said...

it had camouflaged too much that i still can't see it :D but how vivid are these colors.

ramy_v said...

I'm officially wearing shoes next time I wade in the water. great image!

Houston Daily Photo

Lowell said...

I've caught some very ugly fish in Florida waters but this takes the cake (or the bait?)...it is just plain scary. Surely wouldn't want to step on it. Amazing!

Kaori said...

I would not want to come face to face with that bright fish!

Francisca said...

I believe I've seen his cousin while scuba diving. Good shot! What I learned here though, Hilda, is that there is an Ocean Park down by Manila Bay... how long has it been there?!? How did I miss this? Was it well done? Worth going? [And I am glad you appreciated my Manila Smiles post... we will hug when we meet one day. :-) ]

Unknown said...

It's amazing!