| Family: |
Platycephalidae (Flatheads) |
| Max. size: |
30 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 40 m, non-migratory |
| Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Tuamoto Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands (Ref. 9710) and Taiwan, south to northern half of Australia; Marshall and Caroline islands in Micronesia. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-12; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 11-12. Body mottled with brown and white blotches above, whitish below; back crossed by 4-5 dark bands which may be indistinct (Ref. 4315). Lips with a row of small fleshy papillae. Base of lower opercular spine concealed by scales. Dorsal fin rays usually 11. Iris lappet bearing short branches with bifurcate tips.
Description: Characterized by having its 1-3 anterior lateral-line scales bearing small spine; relatively broad interorbital width, 2.0-2.5 in greatest diameter of eye; 2-3 preopercular spine, uppermost longest; absence of preorbital spines; five stout spines on suborbital ridge (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
Inhabits sand and rubble areas of lagoon and seaward reefs (Ref. 9710). The species buries itself in the sand for camouflage. Feeds on crabs and prawns, also on fishes. Also found in sandy fringe of coral reefs (Ref 90102). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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