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Ghost flathead (Hoplichthys prosemion) — Hoplichthyidae

Ghost flathead

Hoplichthys prosemion

The Ghost flathead (Hoplichthys prosemion) is a saltwater fish of the family Hoplichthyidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–216.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The ghost flathead is a flathead (Hoplichthyidae) of deeper coastal and slope waters of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a strongly flattened, rearward-tapering, pale body with a broad, bony, spiny head and projecting, finger-like lower pectoral rays with which it 'walks' over the bottom. As an ambush predator it lies half-buried on soft deeper bottoms and seizes small fish and crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ghost flathead?

The Ghost flathead has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Ghost flathead live?

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

How big does the Ghost flathead get?

The Ghost flathead grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Ghost flathead dangerous to humans?

No, the Ghost flathead is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Spook-platkop sourced
English name
Ghost flathead sourced
Scientific name
Hoplichthys prosemion
Family
Hoplichthyidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
20 sourced
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
216.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Hoplichthys

More from the family Hoplichthyidae

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