The Longhead Flathead, Crocodile Flathead, Long-headed Flathead, Weed Flathead, scientifically known as Leviprora inops, is a fascinating fish species that inhabits coastal waters. Reaching a maximum size of 52.1 cm, this flathead possesses unique characteristics that distinguish it from other members of its family.
Description & Characteristics
Leviprora inops, true to its common names, boasts a long, flattened head with a wide mouth. This distinctive morphology aids in its predatory lifestyle, allowing it to ambush prey hidden in the sand or amongst rocks. Its body is typically brown to grey in color, with a mottled pattern that provides camouflage in its preferred habitat.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Longhead Flathead, Crocodile Flathead, Long-headed Flathead, Weed Flathead is found in coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific region. This includes locations such as the East China Sea, the Philippines, and the western Pacific Ocean. Leviprora inops is generally found in shallower waters, often residing on sandy or muddy bottoms, frequently near rocky reefs or kelp forests. This fish species is a common inhabitant of the neritic zone, the coastal region of the ocean extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
Leviprora inops belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Platycephalidae. This family, commonly known as flatheads, is characterized by their distinctive flattened bodies and large, wide mouths. The diverse group encompasses various species, each with its own unique traits and adaptations for its specific habitat.
Feeding
Leviprora inops is a carnivorous fish, relying on a diet of crustaceans and fish. Its menu includes various types of crabs, including edible crabs, lobsters, rock lobsters, and rock shrimps. It also feeds on small fish and other zoobenthos, the animals that live on the bottom of the ocean floor. This predatory strategy enables Leviprora inops to thrive in its diverse habitat, effectively utilizing its unique morphology to ambush prey.
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