Painted Stingfish (juvenile)

Description:

This type of stonefish is also known as Painted Stinger. The Painted Stingfish is reputedly one of the most poisonous fish in the world. They don't attack people, but will deliver a highly toxic venom through their dorsal spines if stepped on. They feed on small fish and swimming invertebrates.

Habitat:

Found singly on sand or muddy bottoms of lagoons and coastal reefs.

Notes:

I photographed this juvenile stingfish during a night dive, at a depth of about 15m. After a while, it crawled away with finger-like protrusions on its head!