Inhabit coastal waters from shallow bays and inlets to depths of about 100 m over sand, shell grit and mud substrates. Sand flathead are usually solitary but may form loose aggregations. They sometimes move long distances. They are active foragers and ambush predators. They are also occasional scavengers. Feed on crustaceans and fish.
Source: http://eol.org/pages/211541/overview
Similar species: Perch-like Fishes
By Graeme Ruck
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Uploaded Aug 30, 2013. Captured Aug 28, 2013 13:37.
comments (3)
The pectoral fins of the Dusky Flathead (Platycephalus fuscus) have rows of fine brown spots. The tail is blueish grey below, spotted above and has a dark spot near the margin. The body varies from dark brown to sandy with spots.
http://australianmuseum.net.au/Dusky-Flathead-Platycephalus-fuscus
http://www.fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/3359
The Southern Sand Flathead (Platycephalus bassensis) is a moderately elongate species that can be recognised by its colouration and head spines. There are two spines on the rear of the preoperculum. The lower spine is much longer than the upper. The eye has a small ocular flap. The species is sandy coloured with small light and dark spots and indistinct dark bands posteriorly. It is white below. The caudal fin is distinctively coloured. It has a large black blotch surrounded by white on the lower rear portion of the fin. The blotch is often broken up by white lines along the fin rays.
http://australianmuseum.net.au/Southern-Sand-Flathead-Platycephalus-bassensis
http://www.fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/3356
The Northern Sand Flathead (Platycephalus endrachtensis or Platycephalus arenarius) is most easily recognised by its distinctive tail which is pale below, brown above and has a series of black stripes. Overall the fish is sandy coloured with brown spots on the head and body.
http://australianmuseum.net.au/Northern-Sand-Flathead-Platycephalus-endrachtensis Posted 12 years ago