Shortfin Sand Stargazer
VU

Shortfin Sand Stargazer

Platygillellus rubellulus

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platygillellus_rubellulus

Overview

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

The Shortfin Sand Stargazer faces significant pressure from coastal development and tourism infrastructure along Caribbean shorelines, which destroys the shallow sandy habitats essential for its survival. Bottom trawling and other destructive fishing practices further degrade the seafloor environments where this species buries itself to ambush prey. Climate change-induced coral bleaching and ocean acidification are altering the marine ecosystem dynamics that support its food web.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits shallow sandy bottoms and seagrass beds in tropical Caribbean waters, typically at depths of 1-30 meters. It prefers areas with fine sand substrate where it can bury itself completely except for its eyes and mouth, allowing it to ambush small fish and crustaceans.

MARINE· major

Other threatened species in Dactyloscopidae

VU

Milky Sand Stargazer

Dactyloscopus lacteus

Unknown
VU

Arrow Stargazer

Myxodagnus sagitta

Unknown

Threatened in Ecuador

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
EN

Puya longispina

Unknown
EN

Chomelia ecuadorensis

Declining
CR

Pristimantis barrigai

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Shortfin Sand Stargazer classified as Vulnerable?
Shortfin Sand 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 Shortfin Sand Stargazer faces significant pressure from coastal development and tourism infrastructure along Caribbean shorelines, which destroys the shallow sandy habitats essential for its survival. Bottom trawling and other destructive fishing practices further degrade the seafloor environments where this species buries itself to ambush prey. Climate change-induced coral bleaching and ocean acidification are altering the marine ecosystem dynamics that support its food web.
Where does Shortfin Sand Stargazer live?
Shortfin Sand 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 Shortfin Sand Stargazer?
The main threats to Shortfin Sand 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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