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Devil flathead

Onigocia spinosa

Family: Platycephalidae

The Devil flathead (Onigocia spinosa) is a saltwater fish of the family Platycephalidae that grows up to 25 cm.

Length

25 cm

Water

Saltwater

Depth

8.0–250.0 m

Body shape

Elongated (eel-like)

Substrate

Sand / mud bottom

Danger

Harmless

Range

Asia: Australia, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia, Japan, Korea (South), New Caledonia and others

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Description

The devil flathead is a flathead (Platycephalidae) from coastal waters of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a flattened, rearward-tapering, brown-mottled body with a broad, flat head set with spines and ridges and eyes on top. As an ambush hunter it lies half-buried on sand and mud bottoms and snaps at lightning speed at passing shrimp and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Devil flathead?

The Devil flathead has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Devil flathead live?

The Devil flathead lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Australia, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia, Japan, Korea (South), New Caledonia and others

How big does the Devil flathead get?

The Devil flathead grows to a maximum of about 25 cm. On average the species is around 10 cm.

Is the Devil flathead dangerous to humans?

No, the Devil flathead is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name

Devil flathead sourced

Scientific name

Onigocia spinosa

Family

Platycephalidae

Other names

Largescaled spiny flathead; Midget flathead; Spiny flathead verified

Appearance

Size class

Medium verified

Max length (cm)

25.0 verified

Average length (cm)

10.0 verified

Body shape

Elongated (eel-like) sourced

Dominant colour

Brown sourced

Pattern

Spots sourced

Tail shape

Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type

Saltwater sourced

Substrate

Sand / mud bottom sourced

Min depth (m)

8.0 verified

Max depth (m)

250.0 verified

Natural range

Asia: Australia, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia, Japan, Korea (South), New Caledonia and others sourced

Origin

Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial

No inferred

Reproduction

Separate sexes inferred

Sexual dimorphism

No inferred

Seasonality

Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method

Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred

Regulations source

FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans

Harmless verified

First aid

This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources

FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Onigocia

Devil flathead

Description

Frequently asked questions

Want the complete picture on the Devil flathead?

All data

Identification

Appearance

Habitat & distribution

Behaviour & biology

For anglers

Safety

Status & sources

Same genus Onigocia

More from the family Platycephalidae

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