Southern Stargazer (Astroscopus y-graecum) – Blue Heron Bridge, Riviera Beach, Fl
Stargazers are fascinating. They bury themselves in the sand, using their spotted camouflage to disappear among the textured bottom. In this image, the mouth is at the top as the rest of the fish is sunk into the sand below, towards and out of frame at the bottom of the image. Almost always seen staring up from the bottom, eyes searching upwards, the Stargazer is aptly named. Lying in wait under the sand, Stargazers ambush prey with a quick strike before burying themselves again to wait for their next passing meal. They also have a unique defense mechanism: electricity – with the ability to deliver a sharp blast of electric shock to any predators (or unwitting humans that might have stepped on one). I have heard stories from photographers who have leaned in a bit too close to take their photo when they felt a sensation that can only be described as ‘electric fence’. I was sure to give this one plenty of room while working for my photo.
Canon G15, Nauticam NAG15, Inon s2000 (x2), Sola Photo 800
1/125 sec, f/8, ISO200