Kathetostoma averruncus Jordan & Bollman, 1890
Smooth stargazer
Kathetostoma averruncus
photo by Butler, J.

Family:  Uranoscopidae (Stargazers)
Max. size:  32 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 13 - 384 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: California, USA to Isla Lobos de Tierra, Peru and the Galapagos Islands. Rare north of central Baja California, Mexico (Ref. 2850).
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Found on bottom. Feeds mainly on other fishes. Young are pelagic and eaten by large predatory fishes such as tunas. Spine above pectoral fin probably slightly venomous.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 May 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  venomous


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