VU

Dactyloscopus insulatus

Unknown

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Dactyloscopus insulatus faces significant pressure from coastal development and tourism infrastructure expansion across its limited Caribbean range. The species' shallow-water sandy habitat is particularly vulnerable to beach modification, marina construction, and increased sedimentation from coastal runoff. Climate change poses additional risks through rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification, which can disrupt the delicate benthic ecosystems this stargazer depends upon for survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This stargazer inhabits shallow sandy bottoms and seagrass beds in tropical Caribbean waters, typically at depths of 1-15 meters. The species requires fine sandy substrates where it can bury itself while ambush hunting, often near coral reef edges and protected coastal areas.

Other threatened species in DACTYLOSCOPIDAE

VU

Cocos Stargazer

Gillellus chathamensis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Dactyloscopus insulatus classified as Vulnerable?
Dactyloscopus insulatus 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. Dactyloscopus insulatus faces significant pressure from coastal development and tourism infrastructure expansion across its limited Caribbean range. The species' shallow-water sandy habitat is particularly vulnerable to beach modification, marina construction, and increased sedimentation from coastal runoff. Climate change poses additional risks through rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification, which can disrupt the delicate benthic ecosystems this stargazer depends upon for survival.
Where does Dactyloscopus insulatus live?
Dactyloscopus insulatus occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Dactyloscopus insulatus?
The main threats to Dactyloscopus insulatus 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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