Fin's Fish Guide
The Bartail flathead (Platycephalus indicus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Platycephalidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Indo-West Pacific; sandy and muddy bottoms of coastal waters and estuaries.
Description
The bartail flathead is a bottom fish of the flathead family (Platycephalidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about one metre and has a strongly flattened head and an elongate, sand-coloured body that camouflages it perfectly on sand and mud bottoms; the tail bears dark bars. It inhabits coastal waters and often enters estuaries, where juveniles have been taken. As an ambush predator it lies half-buried and seizes passing fishes and crustaceans. The bartail flathead is a valued food fish. Owing to limited data the species is assessed as Data Deficient (DD). Handle the head spines with care; otherwise it is harmless.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bartail flathead?
The Bartail flathead has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Strongly flattened head and sand-coloured camouflage; ambush predator that buries itself halfway.
Where does the Bartail flathead live?
The Bartail flathead lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; sandy and muddy bottoms of coastal waters and estuaries.
How big does the Bartail flathead get?
The Bartail flathead grows to a maximum of about 100 cm. On average the species is around 60 cm.
Is the Bartail flathead dangerous to humans?
No, the Bartail flathead is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bartail flathead edible?
Yes, the Bartail flathead is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Bartail flathead and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Platycephalus
More from the family Platycephalidae
Want the complete picture on the Bartail flathead?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bartail flathead is one of 12,519 species in the app.