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Mud flathead (Ambiserrula jugosa) — Platycephalidae

Mud flathead

Ambiserrula jugosa

The Mud flathead (Ambiserrula jugosa) is a brackish-water fish of the family Platycephalidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12.1 cm
Water
Brackish
Depth
15.0–53.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

The mud flathead is a small flathead (Platycephalidae) from coastal and estuarine water of northern Australia. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a flattened, forward-tapering body with a broad, flat head 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 Mud flathead?

The Mud flathead has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Mud flathead live?

The Mud flathead lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia

How big does the Mud flathead get?

The Mud flathead grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Mud flathead dangerous to humans?

No, the Mud 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.

More photos

Mud flathead (Ambiserrula jugosa) — Platycephalidae — 2
Chi Phan (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — AM
Mud flathead (Ambiserrula jugosa) — Platycephalidae — 3
Indiana Riley (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — AM
Mud flathead (Ambiserrula jugosa) — Platycephalidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Peter, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Mud flathead (Ambiserrula jugosa) — Platycephalidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Tom Davis, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
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All data

Identification

English name
Mud flathead sourced
Scientific name
Ambiserrula jugosa
Family
Platycephalidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
15.0 verified
Max depth (m)
53.0 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

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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

More from the family Platycephalidae

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