Table of Contents
Introduction
The Pez piedra Palawan (Synanceia verrucosa), or stonefish, is one of the most venomous fish in the world. Known for its perfect camouflage and deadly venom, this fascinating but dangerous species is a must-see for experienced divers exploring the best diving Philippines locations.
Palawan, especially the Coron to El Nido route, is home to some of the most diverse marine ecosystems, making it an excellent place to spot the Pez piedra Palawan. However, divers and snorkelers must exercise caution, as stepping on this fish can result in excruciating pain and severe medical emergencies.
This guide explores everything you need to know about the Pez piedra Palawan, including its habitat, venom, conservation status, and where to find it in the Philippines.
Scientific Classification and WoRMS Reference
The Pez piedra (Synanceia verrucosa) belongs to the Synanceiidae family, a group of highly venomous reef fish. According to MarineSpecies.org (WoRMS), it is classified as follows:
✔ Scientific Name: Synanceia verrucosa
✔ Family: Synanceiidae
✔ Order: Scorpaeniformes
✔ Class: Actinopterygii
✔ WoRMS Reference: MarineSpecies.org – Synanceia verrucosa
📍 Why It’s Important: MarineSpecies.org (WoRMS) is the leading global database for marine species, ensuring accurate and scientifically validated data on the Pez piedra.
What Makes the Pez Piedra Unique?
1. Physical Characteristics
✔ Bumpy, rock-like appearance that makes it blend seamlessly with coral and sand.
✔ Can grow up to 40 cm (16 inches) in length and weigh over 2 kg (4.4 lbs).
✔ Color varies between brown, gray, red, and yellow, depending on its habitat.
📍 Why It’s Special: The Pez piedra Palawan can remain completely still for hours, waiting for prey to swim by before striking in 0.015 seconds—one of the fastest attacks in the ocean.
2. Venom and Defense Mechanism
✔ Equipped with 13 venomous spines along its dorsal fin, capable of injecting neurotoxic venom.
✔ The venom causes intense pain, tissue necrosis, and in extreme cases, heart failure.
✔ If threatened, it inflates its body slightly and raises its spines as a warning.
📍 What to Do if Stung: Seek immediate medical attention—the best treatment is immersing the wound in hot water to break down the venom.
3. Habitat and Depths in Palawan
✔ Found at depths ranging from 1 to 50 meters, usually hiding in sandy areas, coral reefs, and rocky seabeds.
✔ Thrives in marine-protected areas along the Coron to El Nido route, where biodiversity is high.
📍 Best Diving Conditions: November to May, when visibility is clearest.
Where to Find the Pez Piedra in Palawan?
1. Coron – Wreck Diving and Hidden Reefs
✔ Best for: Wreck diving, macro photography, and night diving.
✔ Pez piedra Palawan Sightings: Often found on sandy seabeds and coral outcrops near shipwrecks.
✔ Best dive sites: Irako Wreck, Siete Pecados, Twin Lagoon.
📍 Why It’s Special: Coron is famous for its WWII shipwrecks, but its reefs are also home to stonefish, scorpionfish, and other venomous species.
2. El Nido – Shallow Reefs and Seagrass Beds
✔ Best for: Reef diving, shallow snorkeling, and night diving.
✔ Pez piedra Palawan Sightings: Typically seen hiding in coral crevices or on rocky slopes.
✔ Best dive sites: South Miniloc, Twin Rocks, Dilumacad Tunnel.
📍 Why It’s Special: El Nido’s protected marine reserves make it an excellent location to observe stonefish in a safe environment.
Conservation and Responsible Diving Practices
Although the Pez piedra Palawan is not endangered, habitat destruction and climate change threaten its ecosystem.
Conservation Efforts in the Philippines
✔ Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Palawan has designated marine sanctuaries along the Coron to El Nido route.
✔ Eco-tourism programs: Local dive centers promote sustainable diving and marine conservation.
✔ Scientific research: Institutions like MarineSpecies.org (WoRMS) monitor population trends and habitat health.
📍 How You Can Help:
- Avoid touching the seafloor to prevent disturbing marine life.
- Support eco-friendly dive operators that follow conservation guidelines.
- Educate fellow divers about responsible snorkeling and diving practices.
FAQs About Pez Piedra Palawan
1. How dangerous is the Pez piedra Palawan?
✔ Its venom is one of the most potent in the ocean, causing intense pain and serious medical emergencies.
2. Can I see Pez piedra Palawan while snorkeling?
✔ Yes, but it’s difficult to spot due to its camouflage—be cautious when wading in shallow waters.
3. What should I do if I get stung by a Pez piedra?
✔ Seek immediate medical attention and immerse the wound in hot water to break down the venom.
4. Where can I find more scientific data on the Pez piedra Palawan?
✔ Visit MarineSpecies.org – Synanceia verrucosa for official classification and species details.
Conclusion
The Pez piedra Palawan is one of the most fascinating yet dangerous creatures in the best diving Philippines locations. Divers exploring the Coron to El Nido route have the rare opportunity to see this master of camouflage up close.
By practicing responsible diving, staying cautious in shallow waters, and supporting conservation efforts, we can ensure the Pez piedra Palawan continues to thrive in its natural habitat.
🌊 Ready for an adrenaline-filled dive? Explore Palawan and uncover the mysteries of the Pez piedra! 🐠📸
