Catostylidae

Common Names

Catostylidae fish are commonly referred to as "catfishes" due to their resemblance to freshwater catfish species, especially their prominent barbels. Other common names include "flatheads" and "sailfin catfishes," reflecting their flattened bodies and distinctive dorsal fins.

Characteristics

Catostylidae members share several key characteristics, including:

• Flattened bodies: Their bodies are dorsoventrally flattened, giving them a broad, flat appearance. This shape is advantageous for maneuvering through crevices and hiding in the substrate.
• Large heads: Their heads are disproportionately large compared to their bodies, often with prominent spines and ridges.
• Barbels: Prominent barbels surround their mouths, serving as sensory organs to detect food and navigate in murky waters.
• Bony plates or scales: Their bodies are often covered in bony plates or scales, providing protection and armor against predators.
• Dorsal fin: The dorsal fin is often long and sail-like, providing stability and maneuverability in water.

Environment

Catostylidae fish are found in a variety of marine environments, including:

• Coral reefs: Many species inhabit coral reefs, utilizing crevices and hiding amongst the corals for protection and hunting.
• Rocky shores: Some species prefer rocky shores, hiding in the crevices and crevices.
• Sandy bottoms: Some species are found on sandy bottoms, where they utilize their barbels to detect prey and navigate the substrate.

References

For further information on Catostylidae, refer to these reliable online resources:

• FishBase
• World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)
• Wikipedia