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Bighead deepwater flathead (Bembras megacephala) — Bembridae

Bighead deepwater flathead

Bembras megacephala
Family: Bembridae

The Bighead deepwater flathead (Bembras megacephala) is a saltwater fish of the family Bembridae that grows up to 23 cm.

Length
23 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
150.0–280.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Can cause injury

Description

The bighead deepwater flathead is a deepwater flathead (Bembridae) of the continental slope in the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a flattened, elongate, sandy body with a large, broad, spiny head and high-set eyes. As a bottom-oriented ambush hunter of deeper water it lies half-buried and snaps at 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 Bighead deepwater flathead?

The Bighead deepwater flathead has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Bighead deepwater flathead live?

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

How big does the Bighead deepwater flathead get?

The Bighead deepwater flathead grows to a maximum of about 23 cm.

Is the Bighead deepwater flathead dangerous to humans?

The Bighead deepwater flathead can cause injury; handle it with care.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Grootkop-diepwaterplatkop sourced
English name
Bighead deepwater flathead sourced
Scientific name
Bembras megacephala
Family
Bembridae
Other names
Greenspotted flathead sourced

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
23.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
150.0 verified
Max depth (m)
280.0 verified
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 Bembras

More from the family Bembridae

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