Spiny Stargazer (Kathetostoma cubana)

Also known as Marbled Stargazer, Popeye Fish, Pop-eyed Fish, Tube-nosed Stargazer

Description

Also known as Marbled Stargazer, Popeye Fish, Pop-eyed Fish, Tube-nosed Stargazer.

Found singly, buried in gravel, mud, and sandy areas, with just the eyes and mouth showing, waiting for their prey to pass by! Over silty, sandy lagoons, and coastal waters.
They feed on benthic fish and invertebrates by sucking them whole, into their mouths.
Length - 30cm
Depth - 5-600m
Widespread Western Central Atlantic

The name stargazer comes from the fact the eyes are positioned on top of their heads! They are usually found buried in the sand with just their heads showing waiting to ambush their unsuspecting prey as they swim passed!
Stargazer possess electric organs located in a specialized pouch behind the eyes and can discharge up to 50 volts, depending on the temperature of the water at the time! Ref: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/7496

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