Was ever a creature so beautifully named as the Stargazer fish?
The Stargazer is so named on account of its striking, bulbous eyes, through which it stares up at the waters above, waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey from its hiding spot in the sand. The Stargazer is both electric and venomous, making it the kind of fish you would not want to stumble upon, either literally or figuratively. According to Wikipedia, an ichthyologist with an apparent flare for the dramatic once called Stargazers “the meanest things in creation”, which does seem a bit rich coming from a human being – a species capable of far meaner things than any fish could ever dream of. In fact, Stargazers often find their way into kitchens and onto dinner tables, as they aren’t poisonous when eaten. Still, it is a very unusual-looking creature, with a face you’re not likely to forget.
I fear this summer’s Poetry Friday posts are going to be all ocean, all the time, in keeping with the Summer Reading Club theme. The more research I do for upcoming library programs, the more fascinating creatures I am introduced to, and the more inspired I become. I always knew the ocean was full of weird and wonderful animals, but it turns out what I thought I knew about the marine environment is really only the tip of the iceberg!
If you’re looking for more marine-themed books for young people, the TD Summer Reading Club website has a great list of titles perfect for kids wanting to dive into some aquatic reading.
So – what do you think about the Stargazer, a fish with a face only a mother could love?
Carol at The Apples in My Orchard is hosting Poetry Friday this week!
Jane, This is a very scary looking creature! I have never heard about it before..and eating it? Yuck! I definitely think something different when I heard the name! Thanks for sharing!
I know, right?? Such a poetic name for such a….particular-looking creature! BUT apparently it’s also known as monkfish, which I’ve definitely seen in grocery stores!
All oceans, all the time is good for me! That stargazer is quite interesting to look AT! I would love to see and hear how kids react to this character’s face. Ha!
We are going to have SO much fun!! I’m doing an activity called “real or made up” where I share the names of different creatures, including some I’ve made up, and the kids will have to guess if they’re real or not – and given some of these wild names, it won’t be easy!!
Fascinating creature, the stargazer. I have a lot to learn about ocean animals, so I am looking forward to your summer posts. I’m currently listening to Remarkably Bright Creatures and am fascinated by the Great Pacific Octopus.
I recently watched the movie – it was actually filmed in an aquarium in a neighbouring city! The octopus is such an incredible creature.
Oooh, the stargazer is not an inviting-looking fellow, lol! But I’m with you on the meanness scale — I think we humans have him beat.
Bring on the ocean-themed summer PF posts! I’m here for all of it!
No kidding, right? Animals just do what they do, there’s rarely any actual malice behind their actions. We humans have got them beat.
Ooh…definitely do not want to run into this fella on a dive! Not sure I wanna eat him either? -lol
Thanks for the reading list!
If you’re looking for a great ocean read, check out IF YOU WENT TO THE BOTTOM OF THE OCEAN by Brooke McIntyre!
Ooh, thank you for the recommendation!!