VU

Arrow Stargazer

Myxodagnus sagitta

Unknown

Overview

Myxodagnus sagitta is a species of sand stargazer endemic to the Galapagos Islands where it can be found in areas with sandy bottoms at depths of from 18 to 46 metres. This species can reach a maximum length of 6.1 centimetres (2.4 in) SL.

The Arrow Stargazer faces significant threats from coastal development and habitat degradation throughout its range in shallow marine environments. Bottom trawling and other destructive fishing practices damage the sandy and muddy substrates essential for this species' burrowing lifestyle, while pollution from coastal runoff further degrades water quality in critical habitats.

Threat summary

Habitat

Arrow Stargazers inhabit shallow coastal waters with sandy and muddy bottoms, typically found buried in soft sediments in bays, estuaries, and nearshore marine environments. They prefer areas with fine substrate where they can easily burrow and ambush prey from their concealed positions.

MARINE· major

Other threatened species in Dactyloscopidae

VU

Milky Sand Stargazer

Dactyloscopus lacteus

Unknown
Shortfin Sand StargazerVU

Shortfin Sand Stargazer

Platygillellus rubellulus

Unknown

Threatened in Ecuador

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
EN

Puya longispina

Unknown
EN

Chomelia ecuadorensis

Declining
CR

Astroblepus ubidiai

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Arrow Stargazer classified as Vulnerable?
Arrow Stargazer is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Arrow Stargazer faces significant threats from coastal development and habitat degradation throughout its range in shallow marine environments. Bottom trawling and other destructive fishing practices damage the sandy and muddy substrates essential for this species' burrowing lifestyle, while pollution from coastal runoff further degrades water quality in critical habitats.
Where does Arrow Stargazer live?
Arrow Stargazer occurs in Ecuador. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Arrow Stargazer?
The main threats to Arrow Stargazer are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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