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Langsdorf's ghost flathead (Hoplichthys langsdorfii) — Hoplichthyidae

Langsdorf's ghost flathead

Hoplichthys langsdorfii

The Langsdorf's ghost flathead (Hoplichthys langsdorfii) is a saltwater fish of the family Hoplichthyidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
16 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Korea (South)

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Description

Langsdorf's ghost flathead is a ghost flathead (Hoplichthyidae) from deeper coastal waters of the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 16 cm and has a strongly flattened, rearward-tapering body with a broad, bony-armoured head, eyes on top and free, finger-like lower pectoral rays. As a bottom-dweller it lies on sand and mud bottoms and snaps at small crustaceans and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Langsdorf's ghost flathead?

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

Where does the Langsdorf's ghost flathead live?

The Langsdorf's ghost flathead lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Korea (South)

How big does the Langsdorf's ghost flathead get?

The Langsdorf's ghost flathead grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the Langsdorf's ghost flathead dangerous to humans?

No, the Langsdorf's ghost 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
Langsdorf's ghost flathead sourced
Scientific name
Hoplichthys langsdorfii
Family
Hoplichthyidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
16.0 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
Natural range
Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Korea (South) 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 Hoplichthys

More from the family Hoplichthyidae

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