Starry butterfish
📖 Overview
Starry butterfish (Stromateus stellatus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Stromateidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 25.1 cm. It occurs at depths between 0 and 200 metres. With a trophic level of 3.5, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 47 - 50; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 41 - 44; Vertebrae: 42 - 43. Body blue green dorsally and silvery white ventrally. Margin of fins darker. Small dark blue spots on dorsal side of body .: short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Starry butterfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Starry butterfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Also Ref. 101194.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; benthopelagic; depth range 0 - 200 m . Subtropical; 12°S - 47°S Southeast Pacific: Peru and Chile.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Starry butterfish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked — Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 15.6 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 344 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Starry butterfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Spotted Butterfish |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Hoshi-gomashizu · ホシゴマシズ |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Pampo-estrelado |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Cagalera · Cumarca · Palometa cagavino · Pampanito · Pámpano |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stromateus advectitius | Whitley | 1935 | Synonym |
| Stromateus maculatus | Cuvier | 1833 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 6 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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