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Regan's ghost flathead (Hoplichthys regani) — Hoplichthyidae

Regan's ghost flathead

Hoplichthys regani

The Regan's ghost flathead (Hoplichthys regani) is a saltwater fish of the family Hoplichthyidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Can cause injury

Description

Regan's ghost flathead is a ghost flathead (Hoplichthyidae) of the continental slope in the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 25 cm and has an extremely flat, elongate, sandy body with a broad, armoured head, high-set eyes and a row of bony, thorned plates along the flank; the lower pectoral rays are free and finger-like. As a bottom-dweller of deeper water it feels over sand and snaps at small crustaceans and small fish. The sharp head and plate spines can give a puncture wound when handled.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Regan's ghost flathead?

The Regan's ghost flathead has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Regan's ghost flathead live?

The Regan's ghost flathead lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Regan's ghost flathead get?

The Regan's ghost flathead grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Regan's ghost flathead dangerous to humans?

The Regan's ghost flathead can cause injury; handle it with care.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Regans spookplatkop sourced
English name
Regan's ghost flathead sourced
Scientific name
Hoplichthys regani
Family
Hoplichthyidae
Other names
Regan's ghost flathead verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Can cause injury verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Hoplichthys

More from the family Hoplichthyidae

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