I am back!!

[Lisa Salberg]

Hi everyone,

I have been on vacation in sunny Florida for the past week. In the past I had notified the message board when I was out of town, but on the advise of a friend I thought it was unwise to notify the world that my home was empty for a week - hey ya never know!

I will be catching up on the 430 postings that were waiting for me this morning! If I do not respond to something that you seek my opinion on please bring it to my attention. I am working from home this morning as there is 12 inches of snow outside! I will catch up on all calls this afternoon.

Best wishes to all!
Lisa

[Lisa Salberg]

http://www.4hcm.org/gallery/JustFun?page=2

here are some picutures of FLA!

[Reenie]

It looks like you had a blast. So tell me. How did you know the fish was that poisonous? I'd have been dead, I guess! :shock:

Reenie

[Pam Alexson]

Wow,

It looked so nice and warm there. I am glad you had a great time , you and your family deserve the time away. Welcome home to the snow and winter.

Pam

[Lisa Salberg]

Re the fish - it gave a good fight and when it broke the water it was the ugliest thing I had ever seen! my father yelled DO NOT TOUCH IT - IT IS POISIONOUS! I thought he was being a little dramatic - but when I got home I looked it up - BOY WAS HE RIGHT! Thanks DAD!

Stone fish are found in only a few places in the world one of which is the Florida Keys they live on the reefs.

Be careful out there!

Lisa



Stone fish:

The fish is a member of the scorpionfish family. It is believed to be the deadliest fish in the world.
This is the most venomous fish known. It reaches up to 35 cm in length and lives in the Indo-Pacific region and northern Australian waters, from Brisbane to 600 km north of Perth. Stonefish may be found from exposed sand and mud in tidal inlets to depths of 40 m. Lying on the sea bed, it is perfectly camouflaged and looks exactly like an encrusted rock. It feeds on small fish and shrimps. When they swim by, the stonefish opens its mouth with lightning speed and gulps them down. The whole attack lasts for just 0,015 seconds.

Because the stonefish is vulnerable to attacks by bottom-feeding sharks and rays, it has found a way to defend itself- there is a row of 13 venomous spines along its back. In fact, the victim is the one who injures oneself. The stonefish is only dangerous if stepped on or caught. The thirteen dorsal spines project from venom glands along the back and venom is involuntarily expelled when pressure is exercised upon them. Then, a few weeks pass before the glands regenerate and recharge.

The sting causes excruciating pain and a tremendous swelling rapidly develops with death of tissues. The severity of the symptoms depends on the depth of penetration and the number of spines involved. The effects of the venom are muscle weakness, temporary paralysis and shock, which may result in death if not treated. Fatalities are known in the Indo-Pacific region but not in Australian waters.

One can prevent oneself from stonefish injury by wearing thick-soled shoes and treading very lightly- spines can piece through a shoe!

Common Name: Reef Stonefish

Scientific Name: Synanceia verrucosa

Family: Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes)


Habitat: Found on open reefs with shallow areas. Some individuals also found occupying coastal habitats of a silty or muddy nature.

Size/Age: Grows to a length of 380 mm.


Adaptations:


Camouflage: The body colour of the Reef Stonefish varies depending on their surrounding environment. They are usually grey-brown in colour with red, yellow and orange blotches. This colour scheme allows the animal to blend in with their habitat, appearing as a rock or stone, as its name suggests. The variation in colour enhances their camouflage appearing as a mossy or algae-covered rock. Remaining stationary for most of the day also aids in its disguise.


Sit-and-wait predator: This animal is known as an ambush or sit-and-wait predator, using its camouflaged to hide from prey as well as predators. When a prey item approaches, the Reef Stonefish suddenly springs into action gobbling up the surprised animal.


Venomous spines: The Reef Stonefish has 13 venomous dorsal (top) spines, which are used for protection while resting on the reef. Summary: Body: This animal has a large bulky body adding to its appearance as a rock or stone. Its very large rounded pectoral fins are used for propping its body up and maintaining its balance.


Locomotion: This animal stays within the confines of its habitat. Any movement is powered mostly by their tail, while their pectoral fins are used for balance. They are not known to migrate.


Further Information:

Venomous spines and glands: Stings from the 13 venomous spines cause excruciating pain. People need to be careful when swimming, snorkelling or SCUBA diving along reefs, as they may come into contact with the Reef Stonefish by kneeling or standing on reef platforms. The sting of this animal is known to be fatal. Along with the venomous spines, the Reef Stonefish also has 26 poisonous glands in its body, making this fish dangerous to eat.


Relations: The Reef Stonefish belongs to the family Scorpaenidae (Scorpianfish), which includes Scorpionfish, Lionfish, Gurnards, Rockcods and Goblinfish.

[Reenie]

Yeesh! I'm glad I haven't come across one of those before! :shock:

Reenie

[shirleymahoney]

My father in law like to have died because of one of those fish luckily the locals on the island of Guam took care of him and yes my husband told me they were dangerous very

Shirley

[Eileen2345]

Hi Lisa !! Welcome Back!! :D

OMG, if my parents lived there, I would never leave. I love the ocean, when I die, that is where I am living in the afterlife.
The place you were was very beautiful.

That fish though was one of the creepiest things I have ever seen -- ick.

It looks like you all had a wonderful time, I'm glad you all had fun.

It is good to have you back here. :D

Hugs,
Eileen

[Abbygirl2]

8-) 8-) It looks so beautiful, although I'm sure pictures don't do it justice. Glad you enjoyed yourself, what a great place to relax and enjoy life and all its beauty. (Glad your back though) ;)

Pam