Meet Erosa erosa...the pitted stonefish

As the subject line states, we've just acquired a cute little specimen (2" or so) of Erosa erosa.  While it's indeed a member of the stonefish family (Synanaceiidae), it's not a "true stonefish".  It actually seems a lot closer to the Chorydactylus stingfish (minus to dactyls), which are also members of the stonefish family.  However, this would place its venom toxicity at least a potent as the stingfishes, so it's not to be taken lightly, as it would "HITE" to get nailed.  This fish is expected to reach about 5" or so (TL).

Here are a few pix:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerth6932 

 

Very nice looking little guy! I defiantly wouldn't want to pet him. Do you stick your hand in your tanks very much? With all the venomous life you have, I wouldn't go near your tanks with a ten foot net! 

Cranberry pix, or your own work?
 

 

We don't have any trouble with working in the tanx at all.  Most of the fish become very tame and if you don't spook them, they really don't pay much attention to us.  The specimens that are a bit more sketchy simply hide until the "monster" is gone, but they're exceptions, not the rule.

Cran's work.  She's been having some trouble photographing this fish due to its lighting.

I've never really thought of it, but that's a good observation.

It even decided to save me a trip to the LFS for ghosties...it fed from the "stealth stick" last PM (salmon always seems to be hard to resist).  The little dood has a good-sized mouth, esp. for its size.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerth6932 

 

As I read this, I am watching "Fatal Attractions" a TV show on Animal Planet....... Ironic?

 

Question for you though? Have you checked with your local hospital to see if they have the anti venom's to the fish you keep? (or are they even that poisonous?)

Better yet...my wife (Cranberry) works at one of the two local hospitals that still have ER's, and even better, it turns out that I used to hang out with the director of the ER, and I did ask.  FWIW, they don't have stonefish antivenin (apparently, it's pricy).  I haven't checked at "county" yet.

HOWEVER, none of the fish we keep are deadly, altho some, like the stingfish and this little Erosa will apparently make you wish you were never envenomated, as they're just a notch off (genetically speaking) from the true stonefish.

I'd also like to mention that we're always super careful and respect the fish, and to that end, have yet to have a mishap (I've been keeping venomous fish for over 20 years, and Renee has been doing so for a good 6 years). 

Our specimens come from a variety of places...e-tailers, LFS, and wholesalers.  One of the "thrills" (or frustrations) with keeping oddball fish is finding them, which means that we ALWAYS have a QT ready to go when we see them because one needs to act quickly when a specimen shows up.