Fin's Fish Guide
The Halfbanded stargazer (Gillellus semicinctus) is a saltwater fish of the family Dactyloscopidae that grows up to 5 cm.
Description
The sand stargazer is a sand stargazer (Dactyloscopidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species is small and has upward-directed eyes and mouth, so that half-buried in the sand it can peer upward. It lives bottom-bound on sand bottoms of shallow coastal waters. As an ambush hunter it darts up at passing small fishes and invertebrates. Unlike the true stargazers it is not venomous. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Halfbanded stargazer?
The Halfbanded stargazer has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Half-buried lurking fish with upward-facing eyes; not venomous, unlike true stargazers.
Where does the Halfbanded stargazer live?
The Halfbanded stargazer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; sandy bottoms of shallow coastal waters.
How big does the Halfbanded stargazer get?
The Halfbanded stargazer grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.
Is the Halfbanded stargazer dangerous to humans?
No, the Halfbanded stargazer is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Halfbanded stargazer edible?
The Halfbanded stargazer is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Gillellus
More from the family Dactyloscopidae
Want the complete picture on the Halfbanded stargazer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Halfbanded stargazer is one of 12,519 species in the app.