French Polynesia

Home | Photography | Search | Contact



Alex Yu

June 2024
















We wore protective footwear while observing coral reefs due to the presence of stonefish. Stonefish are indeed one of the most dangerous creatures in coral reef environments. As its name implies, stonefish are masters of disguise, closely resembling rocks or coral. This excellent camouflage makes them nearly impossible to spot, increasing the risk of accidental contact. Stonefish have 13 sharp dorsal fin spines, each containing potent venom glands. These spines can easily penetrate human skin, even through soft-soled shoes. Moreover, its venom contains a mix of proteins that can cause severe pain, swelling, and potentially life-threatening harms. Even though shoes provided some protection, I tried my best to avoiding touching or stepping on any rock-like objects. However, on some occasions the current swept me right onto the coral reef! Luckily, I didn't encounter any stonefish, but I came away with multiple cuts from the sharp coral.






Back

Alex Yu's Photography

Monarch Butterfly