Uranoscopidae

A Dictionary of Zoology | 1999 | 649 words | Copyright

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.

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

MLA
Chicago
APA

MICHAEL ALLABY. "Uranoscopidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "Uranoscopidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-Uranoscopidae.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "Uranoscopidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-Uranoscopidae.html

Learn more about citation styles