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Longsnout flathead (Thysanophrys chiltonae) — Platycephalidae

Longsnout flathead

Thysanophrys chiltonae

The Longsnout flathead (Thysanophrys chiltonae) is a saltwater fish of the family Platycephalidae that grows up to 25 cm.

Length
25 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–100 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Comoros, Mayotte, Fiji and others
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

Chilton's flathead is a flathead (Platycephalidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a strongly flattened, brown-mottled body with a broad, bony, armoured head and high-set eyes. As an ambush hunter it lies half-buried on sand and reef bottoms and seizes passing small fish and crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Longsnout flathead?

The Longsnout flathead has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Longsnout flathead live?

The Longsnout flathead lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Comoros, Mayotte, Fiji and others

How big does the Longsnout flathead get?

The Longsnout flathead grows to a maximum of about 25 cm. On average the species is around 18 cm.

Is the Longsnout flathead dangerous to humans?

No, the Longsnout flathead is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Longsnout flathead edible?

The Longsnout flathead is rarely eaten.

More photos

Longsnout flathead (Thysanophrys chiltonae) — Platycephalidae — 2
Williams, Jeffrey T. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Longsnout flathead (Thysanophrys chiltonae) — Platycephalidae — 3
Williams, Jeffrey T. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Longsnout flathead (Thysanophrys chiltonae) — Platycephalidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Pauline Fey, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Longsnout flathead (Thysanophrys chiltonae) — Platycephalidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) uwkwaj, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Longsnout flathead sourced
Scientific name
Thysanophrys chiltonae
Family
Platycephalidae
Other names
Flatheads; Longsnout flathead; Flathead; Long-snout flathead verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
25 verified
Average length (cm)
18 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Straight

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0 verified
Max depth (m)
100 verified
Natural range
Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Comoros, Mayotte, Fiji and others sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten
Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Thysanophrys

More from the family Platycephalidae

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