In the world of seas and oceans there are numerous types de peces of all shapes and colors. As we go deeper into the depths we find demonized fish like the fanfi fish and others with unique and special characteristics. Today we come to show you the enormous capacity of some fish to blend in with the environment and get the most out of it. We talk about the rockfish. Its scientific name is Horrid Synanceia and it is a fish that is easily mistaken for rocks on the seabed.
In this article we are going to tell you everything about this fish, from what it eats and its main characteristics to how it hunts its prey and what is its type of reproduction. Do you want to learn more about this fascinating fish? You just have to keep reading 🙂
Rockfish capable of hiding in marine environments
To better locate us in your order and family we will say that it belongs to the Tetraodontiformes and the Sinancéido family. In order to capture its prey, it uses its peculiar rock appearance to confuse its victims and attack them with the poison they have. Its bite is so powerful that it is deadly for any animal that is stung.
It also affects humans, as they often come close to the coastal areas where most of the bathers are. By being easily mistaken for a rock, it is very possible that we end up stepping on it and end up poisoned. They are fish that are generally found in the depths of the ocean.
Since humans became hunter-gatherers in prehistoric times, they have faced all types of species. de peces of various kinds. Both species with incalculable beauty, to others that attack without even being disturbed or attacked. This is the case of rockfish.
As mentioned before, rockfish are usually found in the depths of the oceans and it is placed where there are rocks where it can go unnoticed. It is considered a species of exotic fish given its rarity and its difficult appearance. The most normal thing is that we are bitten by this fish as a result of a contact accident. We accidentally step on it and the fish will bite us. Although it is capable of camouflage, it is an easy prey for other species such as stingrays, whales and white sharks.
Although the most camouflaged animals are thought to survive better in harsh environments, all species have their predators.
There are more than twelve hundred species de peces poisonous, whose venom exceeds that of snakes, and the rockfish is in the group that has the greatest venom.
Poison and dimensions
As it is a poisonous fish, it is important to talk about it and the consequences that the bite can trigger. The most dangerous part of this fish is the dorsal fin. And it is made up of 13 thorns where it stores this powerful poison. This fin is considered your defense weapon in adverse situations. To poison its prey, it pricks with the dorsal fin and introduces the poison through the tissues in a rapid and proportional way.
The venom is composed of several cytotoxins and neurotoxins that make it a poison more powerful than a cobra. Its effects are immediate. First, it causes inflammation of great magnitude, as the venom spreads throughout the body and tissues. It affects the muscles more seriously, paralyzing them quickly and causing a strong collapse that, if a preventive method or first aid technique is not taken, can lead to death in two hours.
Something that makes this fish quite characteristic is its size depending on its venom. The most normal thing is that the smallest fish need some type of poison to protect themselves against their predators. However, this fish, despite its large size, also has dangerous venom. It is 35 centimeters long, although it has been found some specimens that reach up to 60 cm. If this fish grows in its natural habitat, it will achieve a greater length.
It is possible to have them in the aquarium, but they will only reach 25 centimeters. Some will think that having a poisonous fish in a fish tank can be dangerous and more if there are children at home. There is not much to worry about, as these fish will not attack unless disturbed.
Rockfish habitat and colors
Its main distribution area covers the areas of the Northern Australia and the Indo-Pacific region. Despite the powerful poison, it is not considered a threat since it does not attack unless it is disturbed or attacked.
We find rockfish with a diversity of colors ranging from red to gray, through yellow, green, white and brown. Throughout its entire body, it makes a contrast of these colors and a mixture is made that differentiates each one in a different and special tonality.
Adaptation and mimicry technique
To more closely resemble a rock, it has protrusions that simulate its roughness and, thanks to this, they can be easily confused. It has a fairly flattened head and ends with an upright mouth. Their eyes are smaller and extend over the top of the head. Thanks to this, they are capable of being attentive to any danger.
Throughout its body it has different sediments and minerals from a large number of plants and algae. In addition, it carries on its body a sticky liquid that is assimilated to a mucus. This mucus is used by plants, corals, algae and sediments to adhere to it and to adopt an even better stone shape.
They generally live between 10 and 12 years.
Feeding and reproduction
It generally feeds on other fish, some crustaceans, mollusks and even shrimp. Their diet is completely carnivorous. It is more active at night, so it is dedicated to hunting at those times. During the day he does not leave his safe zone near the rocks where he can pass over them.
Regarding its reproduction, the most productive months are February and March. The female places the eggs on top of the holes in the rocks. The males are responsible for protecting the eggs while they hatch. They are stronger and more violent than females.
I hope you can get to know the rockfish better with this information and be careful not to step on them 🙂