Fin's Fish Guide
The Banded stonelifter (Kathetostoma laeve) is a saltwater fish of the family Uranoscopidae that grows up to 75 cm.
Temperate coastal waters of southern Australia; sandy and muddy bottoms.
Description
The common stargazer is a stargazer (Uranoscopidae) from the temperate coastal waters of southern Australia. The species has a robust, stocky body with a large, upward-directed mouth and eyes on top of the flattened head. It buries itself largely in sand or mud and peers upward, to suddenly suck in passing fishes and crustaceans as an ambush hunter. Above the pectoral fins it has venomous spines that give an extremely painful puncture wound; it can also be weakly bioluminescent. Treat a sting with hot water and seek medical help.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banded stonelifter?
The Banded stonelifter has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Buries itself and peers upward; has venomous shoulder spines.
Where does the Banded stonelifter live?
The Banded stonelifter lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Temperate coastal waters of southern Australia; sandy and muddy bottoms.
How big does the Banded stonelifter get?
The Banded stonelifter grows to a maximum of about 75 cm.
Is the Banded stonelifter dangerous to humans?
No, the Banded stonelifter is harmless to humans. The fin spines are venomous and give a painful, burning puncture wound. Immerse the wound for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) and seek medical care if pain or infection persists.
Is the Banded stonelifter edible?
The Banded stonelifter is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Kathetostoma
More from the family Uranoscopidae
Want the complete picture on the Banded stonelifter?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banded stonelifter is one of 12,519 species in the app.