Fin's Fish Guide
The Poll's stargazer (Uranoscopus polli) is a saltwater fish of the family Uranoscopidae that grows up to 35 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, buried in sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf.
Description
Poll's stargazer is a bizarre bottom fish of the family Uranoscopidae (stargazers) reaching about 35 cm. The steep, armoured head carries the eyes and the wide, upward-facing mouth on top - hence the name. The fish buries itself in sand and mud bottoms with only the eyes showing, and sometimes flicks a small lure from the floor of its mouth to attract prey. When a small fish or shrimp passes, it sucks it in with a lightning-fast gulp. Behind the head sit two strong venomous spines. The species lives on the continental shelf along the West African coast. Because of its venom a caught animal must be handled with care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Poll's stargazer?
The Poll's stargazer has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Stargazer with a steep head, eyes and mouth on top; buries itself and has venomous shoulder spines and a small lure filament in the mouth.
Where does the Poll's stargazer live?
The Poll's stargazer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, buried in sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf.
How big does the Poll's stargazer get?
The Poll's stargazer grows to a maximum of about 35 cm.
Is the Poll's stargazer dangerous to humans?
The Poll's stargazer is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Behind the head, above the pectoral fins, sit two strong venomous spines that cause very painful wounds. Immerse the wound for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) and seek medical help.
Is the Poll's stargazer edible?
The Poll's 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 Uranoscopus
More from the family Uranoscopidae
Want the complete picture on the Poll's stargazer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Poll's stargazer is one of 12,519 species in the app.