Tough times in Cortez, but festival is bustling - Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Stonefish are found in warm coastal waters throughout the world and have been described as the world's most dangerous stinging fish. The two Australian species, S. trachynis and S. verrucosa (Reef stone fish), are found in northern Australian waters, from Brisbane to 600 km north of Perth. They are extremely well camouflaged and dig themselves into the surrounding sand or mud, making them almost impossible to see. Thirteen dorsal spines project from venom glands along their back. Venom is involuntarily expelled when the spine is pressed upon.