Fin's Fish Guide
The Smooth stargazer (Kathetostoma averruncus) is a saltwater fish of the family Uranoscopidae that grows up to 32 cm.
Description
The smooth stargazer is a bottom fish of the stargazer family (Uranoscopidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 32 cm and has a stocky body with a large, upward-directed mouth and eyes on top of the flattened head. It buries itself in the soft bottom and waits there, with only the eyes and mouth visible, for prey; it feeds mainly on other fishes, which it engulfs with a swift lunge. Above each pectoral fin it bears a sharp, venomous shoulder spine that can give a painful puncture wound. In addition, stargazers have an electric organ behind the eyes. Therefore handle a caught specimen with extreme care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Smooth stargazer?
The Smooth stargazer has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Buries itself with its eyes and mouth facing upward; venomous shoulder spines and an electric organ behind the eyes.
Where does the Smooth stargazer live?
The Smooth stargazer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; soft bottoms of coastal and shelf waters.
How big does the Smooth stargazer get?
The Smooth stargazer grows to a maximum of about 32 cm.
Is the Smooth stargazer dangerous to humans?
The Smooth stargazer is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The fin spines are venomous and give a painful, burning puncture wound. Immerse the wound for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) and seek medical care if pain or infection persists.
Is the Smooth stargazer edible?
The Smooth 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 Kathetostoma
More from the family Uranoscopidae
Want the complete picture on the Smooth stargazer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smooth stargazer is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone