Definition

Proper noun A taxonomic family of marine fish within the order Perciformes, commonly known as stargazers. These fish are characterized by having eyes on the top of their heads and mouths that face upwards, often lying buried in the sand on the sea floor.

Usage

The term "Uranoscopidae" is used in formal scientific contexts, specifically in ichthyology (the study of fish), taxonomy, and marine biology, to classify and refer to this specific family of fish. * The family Uranoscopidae includes several genera, such as Uranoscopus and Astroscopus. * A key morphological feature of the Uranoscopidae is the presence of a venomous spine.

Examples

• The researcher published a paper on the phylogenetic relationships within the family Uranoscopidae.
• Many species in the Uranoscopidae possess specialized organs capable of generating electric shocks.
• Uranoscopidae are fascinating to biologists due to their unique ambush predation strategy.

Advanced Usage

• The name "Uranoscopidae" is derived from Greek roots: (sky) and (to watch), referring to the upward-facing gaze of these fish.
• In taxonomic hierarchy, Uranoscopidae is a family under the suborder Trachinoidei.

Variants and Related Words

• Uranoscopid (noun/adjective): A member of the family Uranoscopidae; relating to this family.
  • The museum added a new uranoscopid specimen to its collection.
• Stargazer (noun): The common name for fish in the family Uranoscopidae.
  • We saw a stargazer half-buried in the sand during the dive.

Synonyms

• Stargazers (common name)

Related Terms (Scientific Context)

• Taxonomy: The science of classification.
• Perciformes: The large order of ray-finned fish to which Uranoscopidae belongs.
• Ichthyology: The branch of zoology devoted to the study of fish.

Noun

1. stargazers