Thread: Stargazer

Two years ago I was at four seasons in orange beach and caught two fish that took me awhile to get identified. I finally found out that they were called stargazers. A strange looking fish indeed. I read up on them and they bury themselves in the sand and are ambush predators , much like a flounder. Is this a normal fish to catch in the gulf? I read that they are mainly located on the east coast in the Atlantic. They're a very interesting species. That can even emit an electric shock from a spine on their dorsal fin.

Fairly common near shore, especially in the early summer when they move in to spawn.
I hear they are edible as well...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_stargazer

The Southern Stargazer is an unusual fish. They have a venomous spine but their electrical shock comes from an area behind the eyes. There are two of these spots and to me they resemble a frogs ears. Two round flat areas that are a little irradescent. Not unusual in the gulf and only occasionally caught.
Years ago I caught one and wrapped and stuck it in the freezer for later ID. Took it to the pier the next day for Mr. Jack to ID. It had been frozen solid, but when it started to thaw, it began to move and come alive.
There are some strange creatures in mother natures Gulf, that's for sure.