Rudarius
Rudarius is a genus of marine fish in the family Platycephalidae, commonly known as flatheads. They are found in the western Pacific Ocean, particularly in the waters surrounding Japan, Korea, and China. Flatheads are demersal fish, meaning they live on or near the bottom of the ocean floor.
Common Names
Members of the genus Rudarius are commonly referred to as flatheads, but some species have specific names, including:
- Rudarius erinaceus - Spiny Flathead
- Rudarius bifrons - Two-faced Flathead
Characteristics
Rudarius species share several defining characteristics:
- Flattened body: As the name suggests, they have a flattened body shape, allowing them to lie camouflaged on the seabed.
- Large head: They possess a large, broad head with a wide mouth.
- Barbels: Their mouths are equipped with barbels, fleshy appendages that act as sensory organs, helping them locate prey on the seafloor.
- Spiny fins: Flatheads have spiny fins, particularly on the dorsal and pectoral fins, offering protection.
Environment
Rudarius species are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Coastal waters: They are commonly encountered in shallow, coastal waters, often around rocky reefs and sandy bottoms.
- Estuaries: Some species inhabit estuaries, where they can tolerate brackish water conditions.
References
For further information about Rudarius, you can consult the following reliable sources: