Stargazer Fish

The Stargazer Fish, also inaccurately known as the Monkfish, has Northern and Southern varieties in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

This unusual fish features eyes positioned on top of its head and awaits prey on ocean bottoms. These fish are venomous and may also deliver minor electric shocks.

5 Fish Facts

1. Stargazer Fish can bury themselves in ocean bottoms to wait for prey
2. These fish suck prey in like a vacuum or use a tentacle-like appendage
3. Females lay their eggs on ocean bottoms, but the eggs rise to the surface before hatching
4. The side fins can act as shovels to allow the fish to bury themselves in ocean bottoms
5. An organ on their heads helps these fish deter predators and disable prey with shocks

Classification and Scientific Name

The scientific name for the most common type of Stargazer fish is the Uranoscopus scaber. Despite being a separate species, these fish are also called Monkfish in some regions. Stargazer Fish is part of the Trachiniformes order, including the Uranoscopidae family. There are 50 species of fish within this family, with Northern, Southern, and being among the most typical subspecies.

Evolution and Origins

This particular species is found in temperate marine waters stretching from southern Queensland to southwestern Western Australia, encompassing Tasmania as well. Northern stargazers have a diet consisting of small fish, crabs, and various crustaceans.

This remarkable and robust fish has fully adapted to a lifestyle of residing buried in sand, patiently preparing to ambush and engulf its prey. Remarkably, its eyes, gill slits, nostrils, and the majority of its mouth are positioned on the upper part of its body. Additionally, its pectoral fins possess exceptional digging and burying abilities, further enhancing its specialized adaptation.

They employ a hunting technique wherein they bury themselves in the sand, leaving only their eyes and mouth exposed. With this strategic positioning, they are able to scan for prey.

When a desirable meal comes within range, the stargazer utilizes its spacious mouth to generate a vacuum, swiftly drawing the prey in.

Species

Northern Stargazer

The Northern Stargazer (Astroscopus guttatus) has a range that stretches from North Carolina to New York, with a population of considerable size in the Chesapeake Bay area. Depending on ocean conditions, including temperatures, these fish sometimes appear in the Mediterranean. This type of Stargazer may shock its prey but won’t go out of its way to shock divers unless disturbed.

Common Stargazer

The Common Stargazer (Kathetostoma leave) is known as the Southern Stargazer. Like the Northern Stargazers that inhabit the Atlantic, these fish also live in ocean bottoms and are a biting risk to divers. These fish live primarily off the Australian coast, near Queensland and Tasmania.

Appearance

Most Stargazer Fish measure 8-22 inches long. These fish are reasonably large, with some easily reaching 20 pounds. These are not common recreational fish but are capable of putting up a substantial fight if hooked.

Stargazers are a dark brown color allowing them to blend in when on the seafloor, and their scales also have white speckles. These fish’ bodies offer a stark contrast, with large, flat heads and tapered bodies.

Distribution, Population, and Habitat

Stargazer Fish live in areas of the western Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean, and the Pacific Ocean off Australia‘s coast. These fish are the most populous in the Atlantic between North Carolina and New Jersey. The populations in the Pacific are at their highest south of Australia. Depths of about 120 feet are common for these fish.

These are saltwater fish usually considered a species of Least Concern, although the population size is unknown. However, most fish populations are stable, and some of these fish help make up aquarium populations. Researchers have not observed substantial population losses, with the average lifespan remaining stable.

Where to find: Stargazer Fish and How to Catch Them

The greatest chances of catching a Stargazer Fish for eating are in locations close to the shore. Lures resembling worms are likely to get this fish’s attention. However, live bait like shrimp or minnows will also do the job.

Predators and Prey

Stargazer Fish are carnivorous, hunting their prey from holes dug into the seafloor. These fish will suck them into their open mouths when the prey approaches. Some subspecies also have a type of tentacle that they use to grab their prey.

What eats Stargazer Fish?

These fish have few predators except humans. Because all these species are venomous and several have an organ that creates shocks, few predators are willing to take on one of these fish. Venom effects and electric shocks are primary reasons for people catching these fish to use caution.

What does Stargazer Fish eat?

The Stargazer Fish eats small crustaceans, crabs, and fish. This fish’s prey includes species small enough to easily get sucked into its mouth.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Stargazer Fish usually spawn between May and June, laying eggs in the mud at the ocean bottom that later floats to the surface. These fish reach sexual maturity quickly, being ready to spawn four to eight months after hatching. Stargazers live five to six years, with females likely to have a slightly longer lifespan due to less aggressive behavior.

Fishing and Cooking

Stargazer Fish is a little challenging to catch because of their stinger with venom effects and their ability to shock anglers who aren’t careful. Although these fish are more likely to be captured for aquarium exhibitions than for food, the fish offer an exciting challenge when an angler gets a bite.

Catching these fish is a somewhat rare event. For example, between 1991 and 1995, only five of these fish were caught off the New Jersey coast. The summer months are the best time to catch one of these fish.

Stargazers have a firm texture and a lobster-like taste. This fish has 93 calories and 17g of protein and is a popular casserole, stew, and soup ingredient. If you want an excellent choice for cooking and eating, Stargazer Fish is ideal.

1. Nature World News, Available here: https://www.natureworldnews.com/articles/25319/20160715/watch-step-scary-looking-fish-seen-lurking-virginia-beach-sands.htm
2. Chesapeake Bay Program, Available here: https://www.chesapeakebay.net/S=0/fieldguide/critter/northern_stargazer
3. Florida Museum, Available here: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/discover-fish/species-profiles/astroscopus-guttatus/
4. Australia Museum, Available here: https://australian.museum/learn/animals/fishes/common-stargazer-kathetostoma-laeve/
5. Britannica, Available here: https://www.britannica.com/animal/stargazer
6. Sea-Ex, Available here: http://www.sea-ex.com/fishphotos/stargazer_monkfish-catching-fishing.htm
7. Seafish Blog, Available here: https://www.seafishpool.com/stargazer-fish-facts-characteristics/
8. Guidesly, Available here: https://guidesly.com/fishing/fish-species/northern-stargazer
9. Britannica, Available here: https://www.britannica.com/animal/stargazer
10. Chesapeake Bay Program, Available here: https://www.chesapeakebay.net/S=0/fieldguide/critter/northern_stargazer
11. NJ Department of Environmental Protection, Available here: https://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/pdf/delriver/artdel_sp_no_stargazer.pdf
12. Life of Fish (1970) Up to 20 pounds