Reader beware: The longnosed stargazer fish’s stare is about to live rent-free in your head permanently. The Untamed Courses, which offers eco-friendly adventures in Singapore, just recently posted a video of a rare discover from an intertidal expedition. The “unusual and fascinating sight” of a longnosed stargazer gazing up from the sand is downright unusual.
According to Wild Singapore, longnosed stargazers are a type of “pop-eyed fish” that bury themselves in sandy shores with just their round eyes and gaping mouth sticking out. These ambush predators position themselves like this so that when unwary victim passes overhead, they can jump and gobble it up utilizing the component of surprise.
And now picture beachgoers’ surprise when they stumbled upon this rare sight.
In The Untamed Paths’ Instagram video, you can see the disturbing stare of the stargazer, its eyes unblinking. Also in the video, you can see it jump, then rebury itself in the sand.
Stargazers aren’t just scary; they’re likewise venomous. They have two large spines that can inject a painful toxin into their victims. Some species even have an electrical organ that can electrify their victim.
In other words, next time you’re at a beach in Singapore, do not forget to look down.
Reader beware: The longnosed stargazer fish’s stare will live rent-free in your head forever. You’re welcome.