Top Stargazer Fishing Countries

The stargazer is a unique and formidable predatory fish belonging to the family Uranoscopidae, recognized for its upward-facing eyes and mouth, which allow it to ambush prey from beneath sandy or muddy sea bottoms. Stargazers are found in temperate and tropical waters worldwide, but commercial and artisanal fishing for this species is most prominent in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, such as Greece, Italy, and Turkey, as well as in Australia and New Zealand, where related species are also targeted. These countries harvest stargazers both as a bycatch in trawl and bottom longline fisheries and as a valued food fish, prized for its firm, white flesh. While not a primary target in most fisheries, stargazers contribute to local seafood markets and are sometimes exported, with sustainable management practices in place in regions like the Mediterranean to ensure the long-term viability of their populations.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.