stone·fish / ˈstōnˌfish/ • n. (pl. same or -fishes) a chiefly marine fish (Synanceia and other genera, family Synanceiidae) of bizarre appearance that lives in the tropical Indo-Pacific. It rests motionless in the sand with its venomous dorsal spines projecting and is a frequent cause of injury to swimmers.

stonefish Bottom-dwelling, marine fish that lives in tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific Ocean. It has a warty, slime-covered body and sharp dorsal spines with which it can inflict a painful, sometimes deadly, sting to human beings. Length: to 33cm (13in). Family Synancejidae; species Synanceja verrucosa.