ID on Unknown Fish - Help Please - *Pics Included*

[larsson]

I need an id on this unknown fish. What is it exactly? He's very cool. The one I am wondering what it is is the black and white large one.

 

[larsson]

Pic 2

 

[John_Brandt]

That looks like a Northern stargazer (Astroscopus guttatus). Be careful, those things can give you an electrical jolt.

 

[larsson]

Thank you, thank you! You found what it was!

 

[KorbinDallas]

whale shark?

 

[larsson]

Just looked it up. Looks to be a Southern Stargazer rather than a Northern. Has anyone kept this in an aquarium before?

 

[John_Brandt]

I'm sticking with it being a Northern stargazer :wink:

I have no experience with them in captivity. But I can say that these fish get big, eat things you might not want them to (fish and crustaceans that will fit in their mouth), and like to bury themselves in sand.

 

[larsson]

Just read about a guy on another board that has one. They seem to grow quickly.

 

[Bojangles]

Big head = big mouth = eats like mad = grows fast

I think he looks cool but Im thinking he'll eat about anything sooner or later.

 

[Baianotang]

Is that a cold water species?

 

[larsson]

Is that a cold water species?

We found him in about 80 degree water so I don't think so.

 

[Anonymous]

It might help to know where you collected it from if you'd like a definitive ID...

 

[skylsdale]

http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Gallery/D ... rSouth.htm

"This fish possesses a special talent: it is able to create electrical currents from a specialized organ located in a pouch behind the eyes. The rate of electric discharge depends upon the temperature, with a maximum of 50 volts. It is used primarily to fend off aggressive, threatening fish rather than for prey capture."

I've heard from a few divers who have accidentally freaked these things out in the wild. Didn't feel good at all.

 

[cdeakle]

Maybe you should return him to where you found him? What made you "Rescue" this guy anyways?

 

[ricky1414]

IMHO, I dont feel he is suitable for home aquaria

 

[cdeakle]

By the way, welcome to reefs.org friend.

I agree, should have been left where you found him. I'm assuming you rescued him and not purchased him correct?

 

[skylsdale]

What made you "Rescue" this guy anyways?

Cause it was 'cool' and/or because they could. That should rule out all common sense, right?

 

[Anonymous]

Maybe if you annoy him enough he will be able to run your lights and pumps. Think of the money you'll save.

 

[cdeakle]

Maybe if you annoy him enough he will be able to run your lights and pumps. Think of the money you'll save.

Funny, sad, but funny. :lol:

Really though, I'm guessing that he will not be able to provide a healthy home for him. So basicly, he might of been sent to death row instead of being "rescued".....

 

[Anonymous]

Agreed. Let the brother go...let the brother go...