Stingrays and stonefish are both marine creatures that can deliver painful stings. Stingrays have barbed tails that can pierce the skin and inject venom, while stonefish have venomous spines that are hidden in their skin. 

Stingray stings are most common on the feet and lower legs, as these are the areas that are most likely to come into contact with a stingray on the seabed. In rare cases, stingray stings can be fatal, but this is usually only if the sting is to the chest or abdomen. 

Stonefish stings are much less common than stingray stings, but they are even more venomous. A sting is potentially life-threatening, and it is important to seek medical attention immediately if you are stung. 
 

Possible causes for stingray and stonefish stings include: 

• Walking or wading in shallow water: Stingrays and stonefish are both bottom-dwelling fish, so they are often found in shallow water. When people walk or wade in shallow water, they are more likely to step on one of these fish accidentally. 
• Swimming in murky water: Stingrays and stonefish can be difficult to see in murky water. This makes it more likely that people will swim over or bump into one of these fish without realising it. 
• Handling stingrays or stonefish: It is important to avoid handling stingrays and stonefish, even if they are dead or appear to be injured. The venomous spines of these fish can still cause a painful sting, even after the fish is dead.