It’s my cake day, so I thought I’d do something a little different and share a true Australian nightmare.

I present to you one of the most dangerous fish in the world… the Stonefish! (Synanceia Verrucosa and Synanceia Horrida.)

Stonefish are found in the coastal regions of India-Pacific oceans, and mostly live in the top half of Australia in creek mouths with murky waters, sand, rocks and weeds. Due to their rock-like camouflage, they are incredibly difficult to see.

The fish have 13 spines along their back and with each of those spines there are two associated venom sacks. The venom of these fish is incredibly toxic and gets dispersed when the creature is stood on or disturbed. If untreated promptly, it is almost certainly fatal.

The spines can penetrate shoes like thongs (flip-flops for you Americans). In this image you can see the venom squirting through the piece of rubber that’s being pressed down onto a spine.

The pain associated with being stung is described as excruciating in a way that will make you shudder.
Image is of Irish tourist Keven Renshaw who unfortunately got stung earlier this year. Nausea, and vomiting, slowed heart rate, and even incoherent behaviour are actually symptoms of a person’s pain response, not of the effect of the venom itself. https://www.news-mail.com.au/news/irish-luck-runs-out-after-stonefish-sting/3340560/#/0

There has been an increase of stings and sightings of these fish recently. This is a recent photo from two Queenslanders out on a fishing trip.
“Everyone swims around those areas but catching one was strange. It was a bit ‘how ya going?” - https://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/stonefish-caught-at-noosa-just-metres-away-from-ch/3341557/
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-01-12/stonefish-stings-hit-popular-south-east-qld-swimming-spots-beach/9325410

Someone I know recently got stung and he described the ordeal as the worst 10 hours he had ever been through. He got to the hospital 30 minutes after being stung and during those 10 hours his heart stopped twice, the second time for several minutes.
He will be on antibiotics for infection for a while yet (he was stung on Christmas Day), and the doctors say it could be a year before the pain is completely gone.
He is lucky to be alive.

It’s a good idea to know basic First Aid, and an even better idea when travelling. In Australia phone 000 or 112 for emergency services. (Police, Fire, Ambulance. Although 911 will work too.)
Treat a sting by soaking both the feet (if possible) in a bucket of warm water. (Not too hot otherwise it will cause scalding. Having the “good” foot in too will act as a thermometer).
Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Stonefish anti-venom is the second-most administered in Australia and is available at all hospitals, ambulances, and most doctors’ surgeries. When swimming or playing in or near these types of areas, it’s best to shuffle your feet along the ocean bed to avoid stepping down onto a spine.
Link to seeing the venom in action: https://youtu.be/I8yJkIuvPvM

TL:DR Toad-like fish is an asshole. Don’t stand on the asshole.