Today’s post is about the sometimes exotic and dangerous things that can lurk on our doorsteps, if only we have eyes…and feet…to see them. I hope you’ll enjoy it.
Stonefish caught off the Shorncliffe Pier
“You have to be careful”, Logan told us, “they kill you pretty quickly!”
No, he wasn’t talking about the latest news story, but about a very unusual fish that had been caught just that morning.
A stonefish. The first of its type I had ever seen.
There were a lot of people on the pier when this Stonefish was caught, but only a handful of the regulars. It happened earlier this year, on a hot, steamy morning. The high level of activity that day extended onto the water, where a cruise ship had just come in, and also into the sky, with quite a few planes taking off over the Bay. Some motor yachts were out on the water and a few kayakers as well.
My friend, Sam, was there, sitting on a retaining wall near the pier with his dog Miley, his beloved companion. Suddenly we heard a shout from John, who was on the pier, calling everyone to come and see what he had just caught. Jules and Logan were already close by, and we all formed a circle around John’s catch, awed by the sight of this strange looking creature. Logan and John are keen fishermen, and both had seen stonefish before. Jules, Logan’s wife, also recognised it immediately.
According to Logan, “this is one of the deadliest fish around”. I wasted no time in taking a photo of it and then Jules showed us another photo, one she already had on her mobile phone, of a stonefish which looked even uglier than the one John had caught today. If that’s possible!
For someone who arrived here from Europe many years ago, I still find it extraordinary to see exotic creatures like this, especially when they are caught right here on the Pier.
Logan warned us that although stonefish are part of the cod family that he did not recommend that anyone eat them. I’ve since read that some bigger fish, such as sharks, stingrays, eel and sea snakes, do eat stonefish but have to wonder how they manage to avoid being stung by the poisonous spikes on their backs. Most of the people who do get stung do so by accidentally standing on them. Useful information to have!
Today’s stonefish had an angry-looking face, like a bloated politician. There were poisonous spikes all over it. Jules said it for all of us: “It’s so ugly with those teeth and those big eyes staring at you”. John saw the humorous side of it, saying: “He wants you to take a photo of him”, and that is, of course, exactly what we all did.
When I looked “stonefish” up later, I saw just how scary our fishy friend was. They are, in fact, the most venomous fish known, and are found in the regions of the Indo pacific.
I also read that a sting from a stonefish causes intense pain and that the subsequent swelling can spread within minutes.
The biggest problem is that stonefish are almost impossible to see, as they have excellent camouflage and blend in with the rocks. The potential danger posed by this is increased by the fact that it is apparently possible for them to live out of the water for up to 24 hours.
Jules told us the story of a man who had recently caught a stonefish from the pier and had asked Logan to get it off the line for him. As Logan was trying to dislodge the fishing hook, he accidentally flipped the rod and nearly hit the frightened man. According to Logan, the poor man almost jumped into the water. I think I would have been terrified too.
While we were talking about poisonous creatures, Dick, another friend of mine, came up with a story about cane toads. He told us that the Australian White Ibis, of which there are plenty around here, apparently eat them.
“They’re very clever about it”. They pick up the cane toads, swing them around to release the toxins and then take them to a creek and wash them before eating them. The toads apparently release the toxins when they are stressed and the ibis have somehow worked this out, which is amazing.
As I headed back home, the tide was changing and I caught sight of lots of fish jumping out of the water, probably pursued by bigger fish. I also saw a jellyfish and a stingray. All in all, a very exciting morning. I’ll be back soon for more!
And I hope you will too.
O.P.
Moreton Bay – early morning
Next week’s post, “There is Music in the Air””, will be about something entirely different. I think you’ll enjoy it.
Great story, Opa !
Instantly reminded me of the Blue Lagoon movie, where the girl steps on a stonefish camouflaged in the water. Although I don’t remember off the top of my head what happened after that haha.
Didn’t know they could survive up to a day out of the water. Such scary ugly creatures!! 😱😂 Make sure to be careful out there, I’m very excited for all the stories you have yet to tell on here !
Greets from the Netherlands !
– your grandson, O.S.♡
Amazing absolutely astounding this is beautiful! And I will certainly be coming back for more.
I look forward to the next stories, well done, we are proud of you!
Hey Old Pete! keep “walking and talking”… and blogging x. Regards, AJ
Hello Pete, interesting Hey..?? I lived in Brighton road sand gate up until i was 14 or 15 l.. back in the 50tys…long time ago and know your walk well..It sure is a beautiful place. Winter mornings on that walk are to die for.Take care Danny
Very Interesting Oom Pete. Lovely to hear about your adventures on the others side of the world.
I will be trying to keep up with your stories 🙂
Great story Opa Piet!
Makes me think of the golden dart frog which lives in South America.
It is deadly to the touch! Makes you realize how diverse nature really is :).
Kind regarda,
Your grandson Bjorn
Thank you for your comment Bjorn. Loved it.
Opa Piet