Cymbacephalus staigeri (Castelnau, 1875)
Northern rock flathead

Family:  Platycephalidae (Flatheads)
Max. size:  50 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range - 46 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: Christmas Island to northern Queensland, Gulf of Carpentaria, Darwin, Shark Bay, Australia and Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 11-11. A prominent pit present behind upper eye. Preopercular spines short, two subequal. Infraorbital ridge smooth over most eye, with a few short spines posteriorly. No dermal papillae on upper eye. Dorsal fin IX or I, VIII.
Biology:  Found on the continental shelf, inshore region (Ref. 7300). Apparently associated with aquatic vegetation. Has been taken by trawl at depths from 15 to 46 m, frequently found at depths of 10 m or less (Ref. 9790).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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