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Notched flathead (Onigocia macrolepis) — Platycephalidae

Notched flathead

Onigocia macrolepis

The Notched flathead (Onigocia macrolepis) is a saltwater fish of the family Platycephalidae that grows up to 17 cm.

Length
17 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–130.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Can cause injury

Description

The Notched flathead is a flathead (Platycephalidae) from shallow coastal water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a strongly flattened, rearward-tapering, sandy body with a broad, bony, spiny head and eyes on top of the head. As an ambush predator it lies half-buried on sand and mud bottoms and seizes passing small fish and crustaceans. The sharp head and gill-cover spines can give a cut when handled.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Notched flathead?

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

Where does the Notched flathead live?

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

How big does the Notched flathead get?

The Notched flathead grows to a maximum of about 17 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.

Is the Notched flathead dangerous to humans?

The Notched flathead can cause injury; handle it with care.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Grootschub-platkop sourced
English name
Notched flathead sourced
Scientific name
Onigocia macrolepis
Family
Platycephalidae
Other names
Notched flathead verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
17.0 verified
Average length (cm)
12.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
130.0 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 Onigocia

More from the family Platycephalidae

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