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This creature is a cunning and deadly master of disguise! Its venom is so poisonous, just the slightest contact could prove fatal.
It's the stonefish.
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It's not very easy to spot, is it?
But if you were paddling in the sea in certain parts of the world and you were to stand on one of these creatures, you could end up dead.
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In this shot you can see the stonefish more clearly.
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The stonefish is so named because of amazing camouflage
It looks very much like a stone. So it sits amongst stones in the sand, waiting for a victim to come by
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Here's a shot of the stonefish with no sand or stones around it it's much easier to see.
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Along its back are spines, underneath the skin.
It's those spines which make this creature so Brilliant But Deadly.
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At the base of each of those needle-like spines is a gland which contains an extremely powerful venom. When the spine is pushed down, the venom is pushed up, directly into the wound.
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The spines are so sharp, they could even pierce a shoe!
And the sting is so severe, it lasts for hours. People have been known to beg doctors to amputate their foot, just to ease the pain
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If stung, the pain will soon spread all the way up the leg.
And it's so intense, often the victim will pass out.
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Breathing will become impossible, and the victim will soon become temporarily paralysed.
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So the stonefish. It's Brilliant But Deadly and comes in at number 3 in our Top 5 Countdown!
The risk zones are warm seas around India and Australia.
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Time till death 6 hours or less.
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An antivenom is available, but immediate hospital treatment is required.
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Number of deaths five documented cases.
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One fish you don't want with your chips the stonefish!
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