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🌊 Marine Least Concern ⚠️ Venomous ⚡ Venomous 🌡️ Subtropical

Lancer stargazer

Kathetostoma albigutta Bean, 1892
Max Length
28 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
4
Depth
40–385 m
Climate
Subtropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
32.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Lancer stargazer (Kathetostoma albigutta) 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 28 cm. It occurs at depths between 40 and 385 metres. With a trophic level of 4, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Venomous.

Scientific Name
Kathetostoma albigutta
Authority
Bean, 1892
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Subtropical
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
28 cm
Depth Range
40–385 m
Trophic Level
4
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
32.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for Lancer stargazer is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Lancer 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 40 - 385 m. Subtropical; 37°N - 18°N North Carolina to Florida Keys in USA and throughout the Gulf of Mexico.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine ⬇️ Benthic
Trophic Level
4±0.6

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00617 × L3.11 (TL)
Max TL
28cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2012

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
32.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
4
Apex / Top predator
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Described By
Bean, 1892

⚠️ 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

🌐 Names & Taxonomy

Scientific Synonyms

Scientific Name Author Year Status
Cathetostoma albigutta Bean 1892 Synonym
Kathetostoma albiguttata Bean 1892 Synonym

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 70 records indexed .

Occurrence density from GBIF View GBIF records ↗

👥 Community & Contribute

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