Star Gazer

Uranoscopus scaber is the only family member in the Mediterranean and adjacent waters. Usually completely buried in sand and therefore difficult to detect. Venomous spine on opercle. A red wormlike appendage (also used to wipe the head!) on the lower lip is used to attract small fish. Electrical organs (modified muscles) deliver an electric shock (up to 50 volts). The stunned prey has no chance of escape and it is swallowed.

Mediterranean, Black Sea. Gulf of Gascogne To Senegal. Madeira and the Canary Islands.

Depth range: 10–400 m; usually buried in sand.