Fin's Fish Guide
The Pacific stargazer (Astroscopus zephyreus) is a saltwater fish of the family Uranoscopidae that grows up to 38 cm.
Description
The Pacific stargazer is a stargazer (Uranoscopidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species has a stocky body with a large, armoured head and upward-directed eyes and mouth, so that half-buried in the sand it can peer upward. It lies concealed on the bottom and snaps up passing fishes. Behind the head it carries venomous spines and on top of the head an electric organ that can deliver a shock. Both make it dangerous to handle.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pacific stargazer?
The Pacific stargazer has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Half-buried lurking fish with upward-facing eyes; venomous spines and an electric organ.
Where does the Pacific stargazer live?
The Pacific stargazer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; sandy bottoms of coastal waters.
How big does the Pacific stargazer get?
The Pacific stargazer grows to a maximum of about 38 cm.
Is the Pacific stargazer dangerous to humans?
The Pacific stargazer is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Not poisonous to eat, but this fish has venomous spines behind the head and can deliver a shock with an electric organ. Handle with great care; treat a sting with hot water (about 45 degrees C) and seek medical care for symptoms.
Is the Pacific stargazer edible?
The Pacific stargazer is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Pacific stargazer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pacific 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 Astroscopus
More from the family Uranoscopidae
Want the complete picture on the Pacific stargazer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pacific stargazer is one of 12,519 species in the app.