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Serrate flathead (Rogadius serratus) — Platycephalidae

Serrate flathead

Rogadius serratus

The Serrate flathead (Rogadius serratus) is a saltwater fish of the family Platycephalidae that grows up to 24 cm.

Length
24 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
11.0–45.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Can cause injury

Description

The Serrate flathead is a flathead (Platycephalidae) from shallow sand and mud water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a strongly flattened, elongate, sandy body with a broad, flat head, high-set eyes and spines on the head and gill cover. As a motionless ambush predator it lies half-buried and camouflaged on the bottom and snaps at passing 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 Serrate flathead?

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

Where does the Serrate flathead live?

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

How big does the Serrate flathead get?

The Serrate flathead grows to a maximum of about 24 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.

Is the Serrate flathead dangerous to humans?

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

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Getande platkopvis sourced
English name
Serrate flathead sourced
Scientific name
Rogadius serratus
Family
Platycephalidae
Other names
Serrated flathead verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
24.0 verified
Average length (cm)
15.0 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)
11.0 verified
Max depth (m)
45.0 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 Rogadius

More from the family Platycephalidae

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