Fin's Fish Guide
The Smallscale flathead (Onigocia oligolepis) is a saltwater fish of the family Platycephalidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, Samoa and others
Description
The smallscale flathead is a flathead (Platycephalidae) from shallow sand and reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a strongly flattened head and an elongate, sand-coloured body, ideal for lying 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 Smallscale flathead?
The Smallscale 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 Smallscale flathead live?
The Smallscale flathead lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, Samoa and others
How big does the Smallscale flathead get?
The Smallscale flathead grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Smallscale flathead dangerous to humans?
The Smallscale 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.
Want the complete picture on the Smallscale flathead?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smallscale flathead is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Onigocia
More from the family Platycephalidae
Want the complete picture on the Smallscale flathead?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smallscale flathead is one of 12,519 species in the app.