Southern stargazer – Astroscopus ygraecum

Southern stargazer, Southern Stargazer, Astroscopus ygraecum
Size: 44 cm
Depth: 2 - 100 m
Water Type: Marine
Toxicity: Toxic
Red List Status: Least concern (LC)
Temperature: 16,5 °F - 26,6 °F (16,5°C - 26,6°C)

The Southern Stargazer, scientifically known as Astroscopus ygraecum, is a fascinating fish species with unique adaptations for survival.

Description & Characteristics

The Southern Stargazer is a medium-sized fish, reaching a maximum length of 44.0 cm. It is characterized by its flattened, broad body, a large head, and a wide, upturned mouth with numerous small teeth. Its eyes are positioned on the top of its head, giving it an upward view of its surroundings. This positioning allows it to blend seamlessly with the seabed, making it a master of camouflage. The Southern Stargazer has a distinctive, prominent “lure” on its chin, resembling a small worm, which is used to attract prey.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Southern Stargazer is a demersal species, meaning it lives on the seabed. It typically inhabits a wide range of depths, from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge, extending from 2.0 meters to a maximum depth of 100.0 meters. The Southern Stargazer is predominantly found in the subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zone of the oceans, making it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems. Its distribution encompasses the neritic zone, which includes the area of the ocean above the continental shelf.

Taxonomy

The Southern Stargazer, Astroscopus ygraecum, belongs to the family Uranoscopidae, which includes a group of fish commonly known as stargazers. These fish are further classified under the Order Perciformes, which represents a diverse group of fish with spiny-rayed fins. The Southern Stargazer belongs to the Class Teleostei, a large group of bony fishes that constitutes the vast majority of living fish species.

Feeding

The Southern Stargazer is a carnivore, feeding primarily on small fish. Its unique lure attracts unsuspecting prey, which it then ambushes with lightning speed, using its large, upturned mouth. The Southern Stargazer’s ambush hunting strategy is made possible by its excellent camouflage and the ability to detect prey through vibrations in the sand.

Associated Species

Image References

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