Astroscopus
Astroscopus is a genus of marine fish belonging to the family Uranoscopidae, commonly known as stargazers. These fish are characterized by their unique appearance and behavior.
Common Names
Members of the genus Astroscopus are commonly called "stargazers" due to their habit of burying themselves in the sand with only their eyes and mouths exposed, resembling stars in the sky. Some species are also referred to as "sand-divers" or "burying-gobies."
Characteristics
Stargazers possess distinctive features that distinguish them from other fish. These include:
- Flattened body: They have a flattened, oval-shaped body that allows them to easily bury themselves in the sand.
- Large eyes: Their eyes are positioned on top of their head, protruding above the sand, enabling them to see prey above.
- Luminous lure: Some species possess a luminous lure located on their chin, used to attract prey.
- Protrusible jaws: Their jaws are protrusible, allowing them to quickly snatch prey from the sand.
Environments
Astroscopus species inhabit a range of environments, primarily in the Western Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. They are commonly found in sandy or muddy bottoms, from shallow waters to depths of up to 100 meters. Stargazers are generally solitary and ambush predators, relying on their camouflage and lightning-fast reflexes to catch unsuspecting prey.