Southern Stargazer [Astroscopus y-graecum]
Description
The Southern Stargazer, Astroscopus y-graecum, is a unique species found in the Atlantic Ocean. It inhabits sandy and muddy bottoms of coastal waters, often burying itself with only its eyes and mouth protruding. This species is known for its distinctive upward-facing eyes located on top of its head, which is how it got its common name. It has a flat, brown body with white spots that allows it to blend into the ocean floor. This species also possesses electric organs and is capable of producing electric shocks to stun prey or deter predators.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Fish
Actinopterygii
|
| Order |
Scorpionfishes and Flatheads
Scorpaeniformes
|
| Family |
Stargazers
Uranoscopidae
|
| Genus |
Southern Stargazers
Astroscopus
|