| Platycephalidae (Flatheads) |
| 37 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
|
reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 30 m, non-migratory |
| Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Marshall Islands and Fiji (Ref. 2334). Northwards to Taiwan and Ryukyu Islands, including Mariana, Marshall, and Caroline islands (Ref. 1602, 37816). |
|
Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-13; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 11-13. Lips smooth, lacking papillae on edges. Least interorbital width going 3.5 times or less in greatest diameter of orbit. Base of lower opercular spine concealed by scales. Anterior 1-3, usually 2, lateral line scales bearing a small spine. Iris lappet bearing short branches with bifurcate tips.
Description: Characterized by mottled tan color, finely flecked with dark brown; dorsal surface with six indistinct dark bars and scattered small pale blotches; no prominent makings on fins; 4-5 spines in suborbital ridge (Ref. 90102). |
| Taken over sand associated with rocks and coral reefs to about 30 m (Ref. 9790). Buries itself partially in the sand for camouflage. Feeds mainly on crabs and prawns, also on fishes. Also found in sandy fringe of coral reefs (Ref 90102). |
|
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
|
| harmless |
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