Southern Stargazer
Astroscopus ygraecum
Also known as: Popeye Fish, Pop-eyed Fish, Tube-nosed Stargazer, Astroscopus y-graecum
- Popeye Fish
- Pop-eyed Fish
- Tube-nosed Stargazer
- Astroscopus y-graecum
Overview
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.
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!
How to identify
- Pattern
- white marginwhite spots
- Behaviour
- buries in sandhead showingsolitary
Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.
Habitat & where to find it
- Range · Western Atlantic, Caribbean
- Country only · 4
Found singly, buried in gravel, mud, and sandy areas, with just the eyes and mouth showing, waiting for their prey to pass by!
Adult photos 4
Discussion
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Deep dive
More in the family
Stargazers (Uranoscopidae)




