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Halftooth flathead (Sorsogona prionota) — Platycephalidae

Halftooth flathead

Sorsogona prionota

The Halftooth flathead (Sorsogona prionota) is a saltwater fish of the family Platycephalidae that grows up to 22 cm.

Length
22 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–100.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Can cause injury

Description

The halftooth flathead is a flathead (Platycephalidae) from shallow coastal water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a strongly flattened, rearward-tapering, sandy body with a broad, flat, 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 Halftooth flathead?

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

Where does the Halftooth flathead live?

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

How big does the Halftooth flathead get?

The Halftooth flathead grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.

Is the Halftooth flathead dangerous to humans?

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

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Gezaagde platkop sourced
English name
Halftooth flathead sourced
Scientific name
Sorsogona prionota
Family
Platycephalidae
Other names
Halfspined flathead verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
22.0 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)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
100.0 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 Sorsogona

More from the family Platycephalidae

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