Flathead (fish)

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iAustralian flathead

Dusky flathead, Platycephalus fuscus

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Perciformes
Family:	Platycephalidae
Genus:	Platycephalus

Species

See text.

The flathead is a popular sport and table fish of the family Platycephalidae found in all parts of Australia. It inhabits estuaries and the open ocean.

1 Habitat
2 Fishing for flatheads
3 Species
4 External links

[edit] Habitat

Dusky flatheads are found in estuaries and coastal bays, from Cairns in Queensland to the Gippsland Lakes in Victoria. They occur over sand, mud, gravel and seagrass and can inhabit estuarine waters up to the tidal limit. They have a maximum size of 15 kg and maximum length of 1.5 m.

Ocean flathead (sand flathead, tiger flathead, bar-tailed flathead) are, as named, generally located more offshore than the dusky flathead frequenting the sandy zones around and between coastal reefs. They are sometimes called lizards or lizard fish due to their reptilian appearance.

[edit] Fishing for flatheads

Fishers catch flathead on a variety of baits and artificial lures all year round, but they are more commonly caught during summer. Their firm, white, sweet flesh makes them one of Australia's most popular table fish.

The dusky flathead is particularly partial to a slowly retrieved soft-plastic lure eg. squidgy type lure.