Here's a breakdown of their preferred habitats:
* Shallow water: Stonefish are most commonly found in shallow waters, typically less than 30 meters deep.
* Tropical regions: They thrive in warm tropical waters, usually around the Indo-Pacific region.
* Rocky bottoms: These fish are masters of camouflage and blend seamlessly with rocky surfaces, crevices, and caves.
* Coral reefs: Stonefish often reside amongst coral reefs, taking advantage of the complex structure for shelter and hunting.
* Seagrass beds: They can also be found in seagrass meadows, using the vegetation for cover and concealment.
It's important to remember that stonefish are extremely venomous and should be treated with caution. They are masters at blending in and can easily be mistaken for rocks.