Two-stick stingfish
Inimicus filamentosus
© FishBase (CC BY-NC)The Two‑stick stingfish (Inimicus filamentosus) is a small, well‑camouflaged venomous reef dweller that ambushes prey from the sandy bottom. Anglers target it more for the challenge of locating its cryptic hideout than for any culinary value.
Basic Information
Family
Synanceiidae
Max Size
25 cm
Habitat
marine
Climate
tropical
Best Season
Warm months (June‑August) in tropical waters
Best Time
Early morning or late evening
Distribution
Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.
Fishing Tips for Two-stick stingfish
- Use a light spinning setup to avoid spooking the fish
- Drift or gently troll over sandy flats near coral heads
- Employ a small soft‑plastic shrimp or crab lure worked slowly along the bottom
- Watch for subtle surface disturbances indicating a strike and set the hook quickly
Top Fishing Locations for Two-stick stingfish
Christmas Island Marine Reserve
AustraliaRenowned for abundant Two‑stick stingfish on sandy patches around the island's reef flats, especially near the north‑west channel.
Best: January–April
Raja Ampat Archipelago – Dampier Strait
IndonesiaRemote, pristine waters with rich benthic habitats; the stingfish hide among coral rubble and are targeted by specialist dive‑fishing tours.
Best: October–December
Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef
AustraliaSandy lagoon edges near the island's reef attract Two‑stick stingfish, easily accessed from the research station and popular dive sites.
Best: June–September
El Nido, Palawan
PhilippinesShallow sand patches adjacent to the limestone karsts host healthy populations; local guides offer night‑time spearfishing trips.
Best: March–May
Ari Atoll, Maldives
MaldivesClear waters over volcanic sand flats make this a hotspot for Two‑stick stingfish, especially around the southern reef edges.
Best: May–October
Sharm El Sheikh, Red Sea
EgyptSandy seabed near the Ras Mohammed National Park offers occasional catches; less targeted than in the Indo‑Pacific but still viable.
Best: April–June
Market Prices
Recommended Fishing Equipment for Two-stick stingfish
Recommended Equipment
Best bait: N/A