Fin's Fish Guide
The Sand stargazer (Gillellus arenicola) is a saltwater fish of the family Dactyloscopidae that grows up to 6 cm.
North America: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and others
Description
The Sand stargazer is a sand stargazer (Dactyloscopidae) from shallow, clear sandy water of the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, sandy body with eyes set high on the head and an upward-slanted mouth. As a bottom-dweller it buries almost entirely in loose sand, with only the eyes showing, and snaps from that ambush at small crustaceans and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sand stargazer?
The Sand stargazer has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.
Where does the Sand stargazer live?
The Sand stargazer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and others
How big does the Sand stargazer get?
The Sand stargazer grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.
Is the Sand stargazer dangerous to humans?
No, the 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
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Gillellus
More from the family Dactyloscopidae
Want the complete picture on the Sand stargazer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sand stargazer is one of 12,519 species in the app.