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Rosy flathead (Sunagocia carbunculus) — Platycephalidae

Rosy flathead

Sunagocia carbunculus

The Rosy flathead (Sunagocia carbunculus) is a saltwater fish of the family Platycephalidae that grows up to 40 cm.

Length
40 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Can cause injury

Description

The rosy flathead is a flathead (Platycephalidae) from shallow sand and reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a strongly flattened, elongate, red-brown mottled body with a broad, flat head, high-set eyes and spines on the head and gill cover. As a motionless ambush predator it lies half-buried and camouflaged on the bottom and snaps at passing small fish and crustaceans. The sharp head and gill-cover spines can give a puncture wound when handled.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Rosy flathead?

The Rosy flathead has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Rosy flathead live?

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

How big does the Rosy flathead get?

The Rosy flathead grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.

Is the Rosy flathead dangerous to humans?

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

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Robijn-platkopvis sourced
English name
Rosy flathead sourced
Scientific name
Sunagocia carbunculus
Family
Platycephalidae
Other names
Flathead; Horned flathead; Papillose flathead verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
40.0 verified
Average length (cm)
15.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

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 Sunagocia

More from the family Platycephalidae

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