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Vertebrates Stonefish and weeverfish

المؤلف:  Sue Jickells , Adam Negrusz (Editors)

المصدر:  Clarkes Analytical Forensic Toxicology

الجزء والصفحة:  P127-128

2026-10-01

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Vertebrates

Stonefish and weeverfish

Several species of fish with venom-containing spines have been reported to cause fatalities. The stonefishes Synanceja horrida, S. trachynis and S. verrucosa, belonging to the family Scorpaenidae, are located in temperate and tropical seas that extend across South Africa, Japan, the Pacific and Indian Oceans, Australia and New Zealand. Their venoms contain cholinesterase, alkaline phosphatase and phosphodiesterase. Stonefish stings are severely painful and patients may suffer collapse, cyanosis or pulmonary oedema. Weeverfishes (Trachinus draco, T. vipera, T. radiatus and T. araneus) occur in European coastal waters. Their venom contains 5-HT, a kinin-like substance, epinephrine (adrenaline) and histamine, as well as several enzymes. Weeverfish sting causes an intense burning pain and death can occur rapidly through severe pulmonary oedema.