Featured Image Credit: Ocean Treasures
Reports of a deadly fish have recently closed a popular swimming area in Australia and this time, it’s not a shark.
It’s hard to believe that a stonefish could wreak so much havoc in Evandale Lake. But don’t ever underestimate this species. It might just be the last thing that you do. Dun, dun, dun…
The fish, which has venomous spines on its back, was caught on camera by a citizen in Evandale Lake at Surfers Paradise. The footage, which was taken at night, shows the algae-covered fish floating at the surface of the water. Only to be seen by the light torch of the person recording. After being shown the video, the council was forced to close the swimming area to the public.
A stonefish sting isn’t like a regular ol’ bee sting or snake bite. In fact, it’s unlike anything else. What sets a stonefish sting apart from a lot of other venomous animals and fish in the ocean is that while the sting causes excruciating pain, it is also potentially fatal. According to the Queensland Museum, those who are stung can also experience muscular paralysis, breathing difficulties, shock and sometimes heart failure.
It also doesn’t help that they are masters of camouflage and are not easily seen by swimmers who might step on them.
In 2011, a report that a dorsal fin was seen cutting through the water sparked fears of a potential shark attack. The lake was closed for about a week but no shark was ever found.
A team of divers from SeaWorld Gold Coast were called to the rescue to remove the stonefish from the lake. They will hopefully be able to find it and relocate it to nearby Nerang River, where plenty of other stonefish exist naturally. But for now, council says the lake is closed until further notice.