Stonefish: The Camouflaged Toxin Mine
Tropical coral reefs hide living landmines disguised as ordinary rocks. The stonefish blends perfectly with its surroundings until stepped on or disturbed. Its 13 dorsal spines then inject powerful neurotoxins that cause excruciating pain, tissue death, and potentially heart failure. Fishermen fear these ambush predators more than sharks. Antivenom must be administered quickly to prevent permanent damage. Their camouflage works so well that most victims never see what injured them.