Astroscopus y-graecum (Cuvier, 1829)
Southern stargazer
Astroscopus y-graecum
photo by Christie, B.L.

 Family:  Uranoscopidae (Stargazers)
 Max. size:  44 cm TL (male/unsexed)
 Environment:  reef-associated; depth range 2 - 100 m
 Distribution:  Western Atlantic: North Carolina, USA and northern Gulf of Mexico to Yucatan, Mexico; northern coast of South America (Ref. 5217). Absent in the West Indies.
 Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-14; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 13-13
 Biology:  Inhabits silty, sandy, or rubble bottoms (Ref. 9710). Feeds on fishes (Ref. 13628). Possesses electric organs located in a specialized pouch behind the eyes. Can discharge up to 50 volts (Ref. 10576).The electric organ discharge (EOD) rate depends on the temperature: about 500 Hz at 35°C and 50 Hz at 15°C (corresponding to the annual temperature range of the habitat of this species) (Ref. 10011). Cleithral spine with venom gland (Ref. 57406).
 IUCN Red List Status:   (Ref. 96402)
 Threat to humans:  venomous
 Country info:   
 

 Entered by: Froese, Rainer - 01.05.91
 Modified by: Ortañez, Auda Kareen - 06.11.06
 Checked by: Torres, Armi G. - 26.08.94

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