Top 10 Poiswahoous and Venomous Fish
Poiswahoous and Venomous Fish
Some fish bite back—hard.
FISHYAF
Image Coming Soon
Top 10 Species
Meet the ten species that earned their spot on this list. Click any species to deep dive and learn more.
1
FISHYAF
Image Coming Soon
Stonefish
Verified
2
Lion Fish
Verified
World Record
2 lb 10 oz
Carlos M. Perez / 2002
Cozumel, Mexico
Carlos M. Perez / 2002
Cozumel, Mexico
Signature Fact
It herds prey with flared fins, then blasts a water jet to swivel victims head-first before gulping.
3
FISHYAF
Image Coming Soon
Fugu Pufferfish
Verified
4
COMING
SOON
SOON
Yellow Boxfish
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
—
Signature Fact
More details coming soon.
5
Southern Stingray
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
243 lb 0 oz
Dylan McWilliams / 2018
Anna Maria Island, Florida
Dylan McWilliams / 2018
Anna Maria Island, Florida
Signature Fact
They often carry two stingers-new spine grows in before the old one sheds.
6
COMING
SOON
SOON
Devil Scorpionfish
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
—
Signature Fact
More details coming soon.
7
Gafftopsail Cat
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
16 lb 8 oz
Joseph W. Bailey / 1996
Texas, USA
Joseph W. Bailey / 1996
Texas, USA
Signature Fact
Dad does daycare the hard way: he mouthbroods marble-sized eggs and hungry babies, fasting for weeks.
8
Greater Weever
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
2 lb 4 oz
Miguel A. Santos / 1999
Portugal
Miguel A. Santos / 1999
Portugal
Signature Fact
Europe's most venomous fish, it booby-traps beaches by burying with only toxin-tipped spines exposed.
9
COMING
SOON
SOON
Surgeonfish
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
—
Signature Fact
More details coming soon.
10
COMING
SOON
SOON
Rabbitfish
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
—
Signature Fact
More details coming soon.
FAQs
What fish are venomous?
Stonefish, lion-fish, southern-stingrays, and scorpion-fish are among the most venomous fish.
What’s the difference between poiswahoous and venomous?
Venomous fish inject toxins through spines or stingers, while poiswahoous fish are harmful if eaten.
Are these fish dangerous to anglers?
Yes, especially if handled improperly or stepped on in shallow water.
What should you do if stung?
Seek medical attention immediately, especially for severe envenomations.
Where are these fish found?
Many are found in tropical and coastal saltwater environments around the world.
