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🌊 Marine Least Concern ⚠️ Venomous ⚡ Venomous 🌡️ Subtropical

Brazilian stargazer

Astroscopus sexspinosus Steindachner, 1876
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Max Length
31 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
4.3
Depth
5–15 m
Climate
Subtropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
42.00/100
Typical Length
18 cm
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Found in sandy bottoms, gravel or mud, adults between 5-15 m, juveniles between 0-5 meters on the edge of beaches and protected bays .

Scientific Name
Astroscopus sexspinosus
Authority
Steindachner, 1876
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Subtropical
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
31 cm
Depth Range
5–15 m
Trophic Level
4.3
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
42.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 6; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 12 - 13. Body yellowish green dorsally, head vaguely brownish, greyish white ventrally .: fusiform / normal.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Brazilian stargazer is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

small fish
crustaceans
cephalopods

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous 📦 Batch Spawner
Spawning Season
spring-summer
Spawn Location
Pelagic
Fertilization
External

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; demersal; depth range 5 - 15 m . Subtropical; 22°S - 41°S, 64°W - 40°W Southwest Atlantic: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to northern Argentina.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine ⬇️ Benthic
Trophic Level
4.3±0.8

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01202 × L3.04 (TL)
Max TL
31cm
Dorsal Spines
6
Dorsal Rays
13
Anal Rays
13

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2024

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
42.00/100
Moderate vulnerability
Trophic Level
4.3
Apex / Top predator
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Described By
Steindachner, 1876

⚠️ Venom Profile

Medical Warning: This species is venomous. Seek immediate medical attention if envenomated. Contact emergency services and follow first aid guidance below.
Venom Type
proteinaceous neurotoxin
Delivery
dorsal, anal, and pelvic fin spines
Potency
Severe
Mortality Risk
Low
Symptom Onset
5min
Duration
24.0hrs
Antivenom
✗ Not Available
Named Toxins
high-molecular-weight protein (Stonustoxin analogue) acetylcholine
Symptoms
  • immediate intense pain
  • swelling
  • erythema
  • occasional nausea and weakness
Affected Body Systems
peripheral nervous system cardiovascular
First Aid
Immerse affected area in hot water (45 C, tolerable) for 30-90 minutes to denature toxin. Do not apply ice.
Medical Treatment

Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.

References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature

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