Stonefish fear in lake

REPORTS of a potentially deadly fish has closed Evandale Lake at Bundall – and this time it’s not a “shark”.

“Evandale Lake is closed to swimmers until further notice due to a reported stonefish sighting,” Council said in a statement yesterday.

Stonefish have venomous spines which cause excruciating pain, muscular paralysis, breathing difficulties, shock, sometimes heart failure and death, according to the Queensland Museum.

On the east coast of Australia, the fish is generally found in waters north of the Tweed River. A member of the public reported the sighting and a city staff member also reported seeing it.

“City officers are investigating together with marine experts,” the statement said.

“We’ll keep you updated but in the interests of safety please don’t swim there until further notice.”

In 2011 a report that a dorsal fin was seen cutting through the water sparked fears of a shark attack. The lake was closed but no shark was found.