Japanese Stargazer

Lower edge of preopercle with 3 spines, very rarely to be more. Labial fimbriae simple and poorly developed. Posterior nostril slitlike. Dorsoposterior margin of pectoral fin slightly concave; pectoral and caudal fins pale yellow in fresh specimens. Fifth proximal anal pterygiophore (the first to follow a complete haemal spine) usually inserts between the haemal spines of 13th and 14th vertebrae (Ref. 11439).

Dorsal spines (total): 4 - 6; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 15; Analsoft rays: 13 - 15; Vertebrae: 26

Spend a large part of their time buried in the mud or sand with only their eyes and a portion of the mouth protruding (Ref. 4716).

Found near shore, down to 260 m, on sand and sandy mud bottoms (Ref. 11230). Spend a large part of their time buried in the mud or sand with only their eyes and a portion of the mouth protruding (Ref. 4716). Cleithral spine with venom gland (Ref. 57406).

aquarium: commercial