Uranoscopidae
Uranoscopidae (stargazer; subclass Actinopterygii, order Perciformes) A family of marine, bottom-living fish that have a solid, stout body, the eyes located on the top of the large head, and a large mouth in an almost vertical position. A distinct notch separates the two parts of the dorsal fin, with the anal fin being larger than the second dorsal. Some species have a well-developed and poisonous spine behind the gill cover. They often lie partially buried in the sand with only the mouth and eyes visible, wriggling a small, worm-like tentacle on the lower jaw in order to attract prey fish. There are about 25 species, distributed world-wide.
More From encyclopedia.com
You Might Also Like
NEARBY TERMS
Uranoscopidae