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Longfin flathead (Bembras longipinnis) — Bembridae

Longfin flathead

Bembras longipinnis
Family: Bembridae

The Longfin flathead (Bembras longipinnis) is a saltwater fish of the family Bembridae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
143.0–215.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Can cause injury
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

The longfin flathead is a deepwater flathead (Bembridae) from sand and mud bottoms of the continental slope around Australia and the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a flattened head and an elongate, sand-coloured body, adapted to lie half-buried on the bottom. As an ambush predator it waits motionless and seizes passing shrimp and small fish. On the head and gill cover it bears sharp spines that can give a cut when handled.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Longfin flathead?

The Longfin flathead has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown. Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care.

Where does the Longfin flathead live?

The Longfin flathead lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia

How big does the Longfin flathead get?

The Longfin flathead grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Longfin flathead dangerous to humans?

The Longfin flathead can cause injury; handle it with care. For a puncture or cut from a fin spine: rinse the wound thoroughly with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and remove any visible fragments. Cover and keep clean. For a deep wound, a retained spine or signs of infection see a doctor and check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Longfin flathead sourced
Scientific name
Bembras longipinnis
Family
Bembridae

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
Min depth (m)
143.0 verified
Max depth (m)
215.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia 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
Special features
Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care. 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
Can cause injury verified
First aid
For a puncture or cut from a fin spine: rinse the wound thoroughly with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and remove any visible fragments. Cover and keep clean. For a deep wound, a retained spine or signs of infection see a doctor and check tetanus status. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Bembras

More from the family Bembridae

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