Fin's Fish Guide
The Atlantic stargazer (Uranoscopus scaber) is a saltwater fish of the family Uranoscopidae that grows up to 56 cm.
Eastern Atlantic, the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea, buried in sandy and silty bottoms.
Description
The Atlantic stargazer is a stout bottom fish of the family Uranoscopidae reaching about 56 cm. The species owes its name to the build of its head: the eyes and the nearly vertical, upturned mouth sit on top of the flattened head. The stargazer buries itself in sand and mud bottoms of the eastern Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, with only the eyes showing. From this ambush it lures small fish and crustaceans with a worm-like flap in the mouth and sucks them in at lightning speed. It has venomous shoulder spines and weak electric organs behind the eyes. Despite the spines it is eaten in southern Europe; care is needed when handling it.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Atlantic stargazer?
The Atlantic stargazer has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Bottom fish with the eyes and the upright mouth on top of the head; has venomous shoulder spines, a worm-shaped lure flap in the mouth and weak electric organs.
Where does the Atlantic stargazer live?
The Atlantic stargazer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic, the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea, buried in sandy and silty bottoms.
How big does the Atlantic stargazer get?
The Atlantic stargazer grows to a maximum of about 56 cm. On average the species is around 22 cm.
Is the Atlantic stargazer dangerous to humans?
The Atlantic stargazer is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The two large spines behind the head, just above the pectoral fins, are venomous and give a very painful wound; the fish can also deliver a mild electric shock. Do not handle it, immerse a sting in hot water (about 40-45 °C) and seek medical help if symptoms are severe.
Is the Atlantic stargazer edible?
Yes, the Atlantic stargazer is commonly eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Atlantic stargazer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Atlantic stargazer is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Uranoscopus
More from the family Uranoscopidae
Want the complete picture on the Atlantic stargazer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Atlantic stargazer is one of 12,519 species in the app.