A viral video of a peculiar fish, known as a long-nosed stargazer, has both captivated and alarmed millions of viewers online.
The footage, shared on Instagram by The Untamed Paths, a local wildlife tour group, has rapidly accumulated over 54 million views and 1.3 million likes since its posting on May 18th.
On the morning of April 26, Dennis Chan, founder of The Untamed Paths, made a startling discovery along Singapore's northern shores: a long-nosed stargazer lying in ambush, its head barely protruding from the sand.
This peculiar behavior is characteristic of stargazers, who patiently bury themselves, awaiting the perfect moment to strike their unsuspecting prey.
The long-nosed stargazer is a master of disguise, a formidable ambush predator. Some species possess an interesting trick: a filament in their mouths, wriggling like a worm to lure unsuspecting victims closer. This behavior, while fascinating to scientists, is undeniably chilling for anyone having random walks on the beach.
Even seasoned experts find these creatures unsettling. Ichthyologist William Leo Smith, acknowledging their venomous spines, sharp teeth, and stealthy tactics, once declared them "the meanest things in creation."
(Photo : Image via Wikipedia Commons) A viral video of a long-nosed stargazer fish in Singapore's intertidal zone has captivated millions, evoking both horror and fascination online.
New Phobia Unlocked: People Online Terrified of Unusual Fish
The stargazer's unique appearance, called by some as 'the ugliest fish,' has led to it being compared to a French bulldog and Gollum from the Lord of the Rings.
The fish's bulging eyes and pinpoint pupils give it a bizarre look, and its face-up position in the sand only adds to its eerie aura.
Social media users have had strong reactions to the video. Comments ranged from humorous to fearful, with some saying, "New phobia unlocked," and "This is now my sleep paralysis demon... never going in water... again."
One user quipped, "Bro looks like he could use a shot of Jack Daniel's," while another humorously remarked, "Bro needs an exorcist."
"Unfind it," one comment gained hundreds of likes.
Another one also joked: "If you kiss its forehead it's good luck for a year." (Caution: Don't actually do this)
Dr. Tan Heok Hui, an ichthyologist at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum in Singapore, offered a scientific perspective on the stargazer (via the Straits Times).
He emphasized that the fish is not ugly but is an excellent example of an ambush predator. Stargazers are equipped with venomous spines and can deliver painful stings if mishandled.
Stargazers have a formidable reputation in the marine world. They are equipped with two large venomous spines, which can cause significant injury. Additionally, some species of stargazers can deliver electric shocks.
Dr. Tan advised that anyone injured by these fish should seek immediate medical assistance.
Despite the initial horror that the stargazer's appearance might evoke, Dennis Chan and marine experts encourage a deeper appreciation for these unique creatures and Singapore's diverse marine biodiversity
He advises those who encounter stargazers to observe them from a distance and not provoke them.
