Home · Platycephalidae · Largespine flathead
Largespine flathead (Suggrundus macracanthus) — Platycephalidae

Largespine flathead

Suggrundus macracanthus

The Largespine flathead (Suggrundus macracanthus) is a saltwater fish of the family Platycephalidae that grows up to 26 cm.

Length
26 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–132.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Can cause injury
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The largespine flathead is a flathead (Platycephalidae) from shallow sand and mud water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 25 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 Largespine flathead?

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

Where does the Largespine flathead live?

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

How big does the Largespine flathead get?

The Largespine flathead grows to a maximum of about 26 cm. On average the species is around 18 cm.

Is the Largespine flathead dangerous to humans?

The Largespine flathead can cause injury; handle it with care.

Is the Largespine flathead edible?

Yes, the Largespine flathead is commonly eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Grootstekel-platkop sourced
English name
Largespine flathead sourced
Scientific name
Suggrundus macracanthus
Family
Platycephalidae
Other names
Flathead; Largespined flathead; Large-spined flathead verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
26.0 verified
Average length (cm)
18.0 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
Max depth (m)
132.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
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
Can cause injury verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Suggrundus

More from the family Platycephalidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →