Fin's Fish Guide
The Armoured flathead (Hoplichthys haswelli) is a saltwater fish of the family Hoplichthyidae that grows up to 43 cm.
Description
The ghost flathead is a spiny flathead (Hoplichthyidae) from the deeper waters around Australia. The species has a strongly flattened body with a broad, bony-armoured head and a row of bony plates along the flank, and the lower pectoral fin rays are free and finger-like. It lives bottom-dwelling on soft bottoms of the continental shelf and slope. As an ambush hunter it lies partly buried and springs on small crustaceans and small fishes. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Armoured flathead?
The Armoured flathead has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Strongly flattened with a bony-armoured head and separate, finger-shaped pectoral fin rays.
Where does the Armoured flathead live?
The Armoured flathead lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Deeper waters around Australia; soft bottoms of the shelf and slope.
How big does the Armoured flathead get?
The Armoured flathead grows to a maximum of about 43 cm.
Is the Armoured flathead dangerous to humans?
No, the Armoured flathead is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Armoured flathead edible?
The Armoured flathead is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hoplichthys
More from the family Hoplichthyidae
Want the complete picture on the Armoured flathead?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Armoured flathead is one of 12,519 species in the app.