The Dusky Flathead, Black Flathead, Dusky, Estuary Flathead, Flattie, Frog, Lizard, Mud Flathead, River Flathead, scientifically known as Platycephalus fuscus, is a fascinating fish species belonging to the family Platycephalidae. This bottom-dwelling fish is found in coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific region, including Australia and Southeast Asia.
Description & Characteristics
The Platycephalus fuscus, often referred to as the Dusky Flathead, is a robust fish with a flattened, broad head and a somewhat elongated body. Its coloration ranges from pale brown to olive green, sometimes with dark blotches or markings. The Dusky Flathead can reach a maximum size of 120.0 cm, making it one of the larger members of its family. It has a characteristic protruding lower jaw that gives it a distinct appearance.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Dusky Flathead, Platycephalus fuscus, is a benthic fish, meaning it inhabits the bottom of the seafloor. Its depth range extends from the surface to a depth of 30.0 meters, allowing it to occupy both shallow coastal waters and deeper areas. This adaptability makes it a versatile inhabitant of various marine zones, including estuaries, bays, and coastal reefs. Platycephalus fuscus can be found in both temperate and tropical waters, thriving in a range of salinities, from freshwater to saltwater.
Taxonomy
The species Platycephalus fuscus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Platycephalidae. The Teleostei is a large group of ray-finned fishes, comprising over 20,000 species. Perciformes, commonly known as perches, is the largest order of vertebrates, representing about 40% of all known bony fishes. The family Platycephalidae, commonly known as flatheads, includes over 70 species of bottom-dwelling fishes that are mostly found in tropical and subtropical waters.
Feeding
The Dusky Flathead, Platycephalus fuscus, is a carnivore, meaning its diet consists primarily of animal matter. Its feeding habits include a wide range of prey, such as: clams, crabs, crustaceans, edible crab, fish (little fishes), krill, lobster, mysis, rock lobster, schrimps, sepia, worms, and zoobenthos. Platycephalus fuscus is a predatory fish, actively hunting its prey on the seabed. It uses its flattened head and large mouth to ambush and consume its food, utilizing its sharp teeth to secure its catch.
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