Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body elongate, head broad, tapering to tail; mouth nearly vertical; eyes on top of head; color blue-gray to brown with white spots on back and upper sides (in adults); distinct black and white markings on dorsal, anal and caudal fins (not apparent in juveniles); dark horizontal stripes on tail; has 2 dorsal fins, 1st is small and spinous (3-5 spines). |
Similar Species |
Body patterning on back, sides and fins distinguish this stargazer; it is also the only stargazer with a spinous 1st dorsal fin; other stargazers with only 1 dorsal fin with no spines or the sand stargazer in the family Dactyloscopidae has 1 dorsal fin with 7-8 spines (3-5 in southern stargazer). |
Habitat |
Gulf and bay |
Maximum Size |
44 cm (17 1/2 in), common to 35 cm (14 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. III-V (usually IV)+I,12-13; A. 12 (explain) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
Can produce an electric shock from an organ located between the eyes. Handle with care. |
State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |