Stargazer

The “jackie chan” of fishes- venom, sneak attack, electrocution

They may taste like chicken, but they certainly don't act like one. Stargazers, sometimes even referred to as the “Jackie Chan” of fish, are capable of intimidating their prey and predators with their array of violent adaptations. A stargazer won't kill anyone, but definitely has the ability to shock with unexpected sneak attacks on prey, venomous pectoral fins, and electrically charged foreheads. However, stargazers are easily misunderstood for this reason, because their venom and electrocution are simply used for self defense.

Since stargazers spend most of their life buried under the sand of the ocean floor with just their skyward pointed eyes uncovered, searching for prey, they are mostly caught by trawling as by-catch. Stargazers are not commercially fished in New Jersey for a couple of reasons. One being that there simply aren't enough in the area to provide a large profit, and the other being that they live too far into the ocean for a day trip made by a fishing boat. However, this isn't to say that stargazers are not a desirable fish or that they cannot be found in the markets. People are frequently turned off by this fish's ugliness, but its taste, and appearance, have actually been compared to that of monkfish, a popular seafood meal. Stargazers can be broiled, grilled, or baked, and each option will provide great results.

Latin name Taxonomy, classification Size Weight Season Catch Method Catch Restrictions

1. New Jersey
2. New York
3. Federal

Sustainability Landings (tonnage) -Belford -Raritan Bay Food Description