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Flathead (Inegocia japonica) — Platycephalidae

Flathead

Inegocia japonica
LC · Least Concern

The Flathead (Inegocia japonica) is a saltwater fish of the family Platycephalidae that grows up to 35 cm.

Length
35 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
7.0–85.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Japanese flathead is a flathead (Platycephalidae) from the northwestern Pacific. The species has a strongly flattened, bony-armoured head and an elongate, mottled body that camouflages it on the bottom. It lives on sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf. As an ambush hunter it lies partly buried and springs on small fishes and crustaceans. It is a local food fish. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Flathead?

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

Where does the Flathead live?

The Flathead lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Flathead get?

The Flathead grows to a maximum of about 35 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.

Is the Flathead dangerous to humans?

No, the Flathead is harmless to humans.

Is the Flathead edible?

Yes, the Flathead is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Japanse platkop sourced
English name
Flathead verified
Scientific name
Inegocia japonica
Family
Platycephalidae
Other names
Flathead; Japanese flathead verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
35.0 verified
Average length (cm)
20.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
7.0 verified
Max depth (m)
85.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
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
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

More from the family Platycephalidae

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