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🌊 Marine Least Concern ⚠️ Venomous ⚡ Venomous 🌡️ Tropical

Pacific stargazer

Astroscopus zephyreus Gilbert & Starks, 1897
← All Species
Max Length
37.5 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
4.3
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
36.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Pacific stargazer (Astroscopus zephyreus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Uranoscopidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 37.5 cm. With a trophic level of 4.3, it is an apex predator. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Venomous.

Scientific Name
Astroscopus zephyreus
Authority
Gilbert & Starks, 1897
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Tropical
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
37.5 cm
Trophic Level
4.3
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
36.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for Pacific stargazer is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Pacific 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. Tropical

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine ⬇️ Benthic
Trophic Level
4.3±0.8

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00617 × L3.11 (TL)
Max TL
37.5cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2008

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
36.00/100
Moderate vulnerability
Trophic Level
4.3
Apex / Top predator
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Gilbert & Starks, 1897

⚠️ 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

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 12 records indexed .

Occurrence density from GBIF View GBIF records ↗

👥 Community & Contribute

Aquareap Community Observations
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View all observations for Pacific stargazer ↗
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