Saddled Stargazer (Platygillellus rubrocinctus) experiences?

[Northwest_Scapes_]

So I've seen these guys pop up here and there on Divers Den, and they caught my interest as a potential Nano Ambush Predator. Theres 0 information besides their general location in the Caribbean on these guys, and was wondering if anyones ever kept one? I tried to email LA but because of snow in my location and their location, their services are down.

 

[dedragon]

Probably a cool critter for a nano predator tank, i prefer wartskin anglers though for their colors

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

So I've seen these guys pop up here and there on Divers Den, and they caught my interest as a potential Nano Ambush Predator. Theres 0 information besides their general location in the Caribbean on these guys, and was wondering if anyones ever kept one? I tried to email LA but because of snow in my location and their location, their services are down.

Cool looking fish! I've heard about those, but never had one. I've kept the larger, Southern Stargazer. They require a substrate to bury in, and they have venomous spines.

I have a copy of Bohlke and Chaplin's Fishes of the Bahamas and Adjacent Waters (an older out of print book, that I paid $200 for as a reprint!). It uses the older name of Gillellus rubrocinctus. Maximum size is given as 2.3". They report it found in small numbers in Florida and the Bahamas when sampling sand areas adjacent to reefs to a depth of 50', but never found in purely sandy areas.

Jay

 

[dedragon]

Jay check the other velvet forum please they need help asap, srry for making u work overtime here
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/crying-velvet-help.881691/#post-9731219

 

[ADimitris]

I had never heard of this species before I found one diving on June 26,2025 in shallow water in Pompano Beach FL. Then I found another today!
Do any of you know of any photos of living specimens?