By Ed Jackson
A potentially deadly stonefish has forced the closure of a popular Gold Coast lake.
The fish, which has venomous spines on its back, was filmed by a member of the public in Evandale Lake at Surfers Paradise forcing council to close the swimming spot.
The footage, taken at night, shows the algae-covered fish floating at the surface of the water in the light of a torch.
Stonefish spines contain a powerful neurotoxin and its sting is both intensely painful and potentially fatal.
The fish are masters of camouflage and pose a threat to swimmers who may not notice the animal and accidentally step on it, receiving a sting from the spines.
A team of divers from Sea World will search the lake tomorrow in an attempt to locate the animal and relocate it.
If discovered, the fish will most likely be relocated to the nearby Nerang River where the animals exist naturally.
- AAP