Identification
Reef Stonefishes are extremely well camouflaged, looking like an encrusted rock or lump of coral. Individuals are usually brown or grey and may have patches of yellow, orange or red.
The Reef Stonefish has thirteen stout dorsal fin spines which can inject an extremely poisonous venom.
Two species of stonefishes are recorded from Australia, the Reef Stonefish and the Estuary Stonefish, Synanceia horrida. One of the ways to tell the two species apart is the placement of the eyes. The eyes of the Reef Stonefish are separated by a deep depression, however those of the Estuary Stonefish are elevated and separated by a bony ridge.
- See more at: http://australianmuseum.net.au/reef-stonefish-synanceia-verrucosa-bloch-schneider-1801#sthash.2uVJ92hu.dpuf