Stargazers are a group of benthic marine fish known for their upward-facing eyes and mouth, found in temperate and tropical waters worldwide. These fish, belonging primarily to the family Uranoscopidae, are sought after for their firm, white flesh and are sometimes caught as bycatch in trawl and bottom longline fisheries. The top stargazer fishing countries include New Zealand and Australia, where species like the New Zealand stargazer (Kathetostoma giganteum) are commercially harvested and marketed locally and for export. Mediterranean countries such as Greece, Italy, and Turkey also catch stargazers, particularly the species Uranoscopus scaber, often landing them as bycatch in mixed demersal fisheries. While stargazers are not typically a primary target of large-scale fisheries, their unique appearance and culinary value make them a notable component of the fishing industries in these regions.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Portugal | 2 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.