Fin's Fish Guide
The Northern stargazer (Astroscopus guttatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Uranoscopidae that grows up to 59 cm.
Description
The northern stargazer is a remarkable bottom fish of the stargazer family (Uranoscopidae) from the western Atlantic off the east coast of North America. The species grows to about 59 cm and has a robust body with an upward-pointing mouth and eyes on top of the flattened head. By day it lies buried in sand up to the eyes on inshore bottoms to 36 metres, waiting for passing prey. Notable is its double armament: behind the head is a spine with a venom gland, and the species has electric organs, formed from modified eye muscles, with which it can deliver shocks. Therefore do not handle the fish; the venomous spine gives a painful wound.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Northern stargazer?
The Northern stargazer has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Buries itself up to its upward-facing eyes; has a venomous spine behind the head and electric organs derived from eye muscles.
Where does the Northern stargazer live?
The Northern stargazer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic; buried in sand of inshore bottoms to 36 m.
How big does the Northern stargazer get?
The Northern stargazer grows to a maximum of about 59 cm.
Is the Northern stargazer dangerous to humans?
The Northern stargazer is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The fin spine(s) 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 Northern stargazer edible?
The Northern stargazer is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Astroscopus
More from the family Uranoscopidae
Want the complete picture on the Northern stargazer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Northern stargazer is one of 12,519 species in the app.