stonefish

American  

[stohn-fish] / ˈstoʊnˌfɪʃ /

noun

plural

stonefishes,

plural

stonefish

1. a tropical scorpion fish, Synanceja verrucosa, having dorsal-fin spines from which a deadly poison is discharged.

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stonefish British  

/ ˈstəʊnˌfɪʃ /

noun

1. a venomous tropical marine scorpaenid fish, Synanceja verrucosa, that resembles a piece of rock on the seabed

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Etymology

Origin of stonefish

First recorded in 1660–70; stone + fish

Example Sentences

I can’t believe these utter bozos didn’t tell me there were stonefish here, I kept thinking, over and over.

From The Guardian

It had a comically grouchy face, but stonefish — the world’s most venomous — are no joke.

From Washington Post

The stonefish, which is known to camouflage itself in the sand near coral or other rocks, is extremely dangerous — especially to unsuspecting beachgoers who may accidentally step on the fish.

From Fox News

Recent studies found that stonefish, a group that includes many species, have a previously unknown defensive weapon: a “lachrymal saber” in each cheek that can be drawn and retracted as needed.

From Seattle Times

The green speckled recluse doesn’t destroy as quickly as the stonefish.

From Literature