Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; demersal; non-migratory; depth range 10 - 45 m (Ref. 90102). Tropical
Indo-West Pacific: South Africa to Persian Gulf, Sri Lanka, southern India, Gulf of Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Philippines, Celebes, Irian Barat, Arafura Sea, northern Queensland, and the Solomons.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 20.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 48635); common length : 10.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 9790)
Dorsal spines (total): 8 - 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 12 - 13. Brownish in color, with 3-4 dark bands crossing back (Ref. 4315). A single small papillae on posterior half of upper surface of eye. Base of lower opercular spine concealed by scales. Anal fin rays 12-13, usually 13. Anterior 2-6 lateral line scales bearing a small spine. Iris lappet with very short branches.
Body shape (shape guide): elongated.
Inhabits shallow coastal areas and appears to be taken over sandy bottom with aquatic vegetation. Taken by trawling to a depth of 43 m but usually taken with dip nets at 20 m or less. Frequently taken near coral rubble and rock (Ref. 9790).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Knapp, L.W., 1999. Platycephalidae. Flatheads. p. 2385-2421. In K.E. Carpenter and V.H. Niem (eds.) FAO species identification guide for fishery purposes. The living marine resources of the Western Central Pacific. Volume 4. Bony fishes part 2 (Mugilidae to Carangidae). FAO, Rome. (Ref. 9790)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: of no interest
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