Bluespotted Flathead, Platycephalus caeruleopunctatus McCulloch, 1922
Eastern Blue-spotted Flathead, Longnose Flathead, Red Spotted Flathead, Sand Flathead
Introduction
The temperate marine flatheads can be quite a challenge to identify. The Bluespotted Flathead usually has scattered blue spots on the back and a distinctive pattern of dark blotches on the tail.
Identification
The Bluespotted Flathead can be recognised by its sandy colour, scattered blue spots, and the series of elongated dark blotches on the tail. The blotches become progressively larger towards the bottom of the fin. The lower preopercular spine is distinctly longer than the upper.
Habitat
The Bluespotted Flathead is found on sandy bottoms from shallow coastal bays and estuaries to well offshore.
Distribution
The species is officially recorded from southern Queensland to eastern Victoria but may occur as far west as eastern South Australia.
The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.
Feeding and diet
It eats crustaceans and other fishes.
Economic impacts
The Bluespotted Flathead is a commercial trawl species which is marketed in Australia under the name Blue-spotted Flathead.
References
- Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
- Gomon, M.F., Bray, D. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 2008. The Fishes of Australia's Southern Coast. Reed New Holland. Pp. 928.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Crawford House Press. Pp. 437.
- Tyler, J.C. 1970. Abnormal fin and vertebral growth structures in Plectognath fishes. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. 122(4): 249-271.
- Yearsley, G.K., Last, P.R. & R.D. Ward. 1999. Australian Seafood Handbook, an identification guide to domestic species. CSIRO Marine Research. Pp. 461.