Original story by Janel Shorthouse, ABC Sunshine Coast
Two of the world’s most venomous fish, the estuarine stonefish and lionfish have been delicately moved to their new aquarium on the Sunshine Coast.
Ready for transfer – the lionfish is characterized by conspicuous warning coloration with red, white, creamy, or black bands, showy pectoral fins and venomous spiky fin rays. (ABC Multiplatform: Janel Shorthouse)
The animal care team at UnderWater World donned protective gear to move two stonefish and six lionfish into their new home, as work begins on the second stage of improvements at the marine park.
Fish curator Kate Willson says the animal team have to be “extra cautious” when moving dangerous fish.
Spot the stonefish being delicately moved to the Crawly Creatures zone, an exhibit to be part of the new Sea Life aquarium that will house Australia’s largest exhibit of sea jellies. (ABC Multiplatform: Janel Shorthouse)
“The stonefish is an ambush predator by nature and it’s important to note that if it’s aggravated its 13 venomous spines will strike up.
“They’re unique creatures, often camouflaging as a rock and are said to attack in 0.015 of a second if they feel threatened.
“The venom, however, is only activated by pressure and it’s very common for people to step on its venomous spines in the wild by mistaking it as a rock while walking in shallow waters,” says Kate.
The fish will be part of the Crawly Creatures zone, an exhibit to be part of the new Sea Life aquarium that will house Australia’s largest exhibit of sea jellies.
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