Northern stargazer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Northern stargazer |
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The northern stargazer, scientifically known as Astroscopus guttatus, is a unique fish that lives in the ocean. These interesting fish can grow up to 22 inches (56 cm) long. You can find them along the Atlantic coast of the United States, from North Carolina all the way to New York. They usually live in waters up to 120 feet (37 m) deep. Stargazers have a very flat head and a big body, especially near their mouth.
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Meet the Northern Stargazer!
The northern stargazer is a truly special fish. It has some amazing features that help it survive in its ocean home.
What Does It Look Like?
The northern stargazer has a dark brownish-black body. It is covered in white spots that are all about the same size. These spots can be seen on its head and back. Its tail is white and has three dark stripes going across it.
One of the most interesting things about the stargazer is its mouth. It faces upwards! This helps the fish hide in the sand and then surprise its prey. Its eyes are also on top of its head, poking up through the sand. This is why it's called a "stargazer"—it looks like it's staring at the stars!
Shocking Powers!
Did you know the northern stargazer can create electricity? On the top of its head, near its eyes, it has special electric organs. These organs can make and send out an electric shock. This shock helps the stargazer defend itself and catch its food.
Where Do Stargazers Live?
Northern stargazers mostly live along the eastern coast of the United States. They are masters of disguise! They bury themselves in the sandy bottom of the ocean. Only their eyes and sometimes a bit of their mouth stick out. They wait patiently for smaller fish to swim by. Then, they quickly pop out and grab their meal.
The scientific name for this fish, Astroscopus guttatus, tells us more about it. Astroscopus means "one who aims at the stars," which perfectly describes how its eyes look upwards. And guttatus means "speckled," referring to the white spots on its back.
Life Cycle of the Stargazer
The life cycle of the northern stargazer is quite fascinating, starting from tiny eggs.
From Egg to Adult
Stargazers lay small, clear eggs on the bottom of bays. After they are released, these eggs float up to the surface of the water. When the eggs hatch, tiny larvae emerge. These larvae are very small, only about 6–7 mm (0.24–0.28 in) long.
As they grow, the larvae slowly start to get a darker color. When they reach about 12–15 mm (0.5–0.6 in) in size, their special electric organs begin to develop from their eye muscles. After this stage, the young stargazers swim down to the ocean bottom. There, they continue to grow and eventually become adult fish.
Who Discovered It?
The northern stargazer was first officially described by a scientist named Charles Conrad Abbott in the year 1860.
