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!