| Family: |
Platycephalidae (Flatheads) |
| Max. size: |
20 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
demersal; marine; depth range 10 - 45 m, non-migratory |
| Distribution: |
Indo-West Pacific: South Africa to Persian Gulf, Sri Lanka, southern India, Gulf of Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Philippines, Celebes, Irian Barat, Arafura Sea, northern Queensland, and the Solomons. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 8-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-12; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 12-13. Brownish in color, with 3-4 dark bands crossing back (Ref. 4315). A single small papillae on posterior half of upper surface of eye. Base of lower opercular spine concealed by scales. Anal fin rays 12-13, usually 13. Anterior 2-6 lateral line scales bearing a small spine. Iris lappet with very short branches.
Description: Characterized by lacking papillae on lips; 2-3 preorbital spines; 3 preopercular spines, uppermost longest; supraorbital ridge with small spines throughout length; 8-10 spines on suborbital ridge (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
Inhabits shallow coastal areas and appears to be taken over sandy bottom with aquatic vegetation. Taken by trawling to a depth of 43 m but usually taken with dip nets at 20 m or less. Frequently taken near coral rubble and rock (Ref. 9790). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 06 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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