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Delicate sand stargazer (Psammphiletria delicata) — Amphiliidae

Delicate sand stargazer

Psammphiletria delicata
Family: Amphiliidae

The Delicate sand stargazer (Psammphiletria delicata) is a freshwater fish of the family Amphiliidae that grows up to 2 cm.

Length
2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Congo Dem Rp

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Description

The delicate sand stargazer is a sand stargazer (Dactyloscopidae) from shallow sandy water of the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, pale body with an upturned mouth and high-set eyes, so it can lie almost fully buried and lurk. As an ambush predator it waits under the sand and snaps at passing small crustaceans and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Delicate sand stargazer?

The Delicate sand stargazer has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly white.

Where does the Delicate sand stargazer live?

The Delicate sand stargazer lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Congo Dem Rp

How big does the Delicate sand stargazer get?

The Delicate sand stargazer grows to a maximum of about 2 cm.

Is the Delicate sand stargazer dangerous to humans?

No, the Delicate sand stargazer is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Delicate sand stargazer sourced
Scientific name
Psammphiletria delicata
Family
Amphiliidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
2.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
White inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Congo Dem Rp sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Amphiliidae

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