Northern Stargazer [Astroscopus guttatus]
Description
The Northern Stargazer is a species of fish native to the eastern coast of the United States, from New York to North Carolina. It's a bottom-dwelling species found in shallow waters with a sandy or muddy bottom. They have a flat, upward-facing mouth and eyes situated on top of their head, giving them their 'stargazing' name. Their body is blackish-brown and covered with white spots. These fish are known for their ability to produce electric shocks, which they use for hunting and self-defense.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Fish
Actinopterygii
|
| Order |
Scorpionfishes and Flatheads
Scorpaeniformes
|
| Family |
Stargazers
Uranoscopidae
|
| Genus |
Northern Stargazers
Uranoscopus
|