Tiger Flathead

Platycephalus richardsoni

Sea Life Endemic IUCN: Not Evaluated

About

A greyish-brown flathead with many small orange to reddish-orange spots, and often several large greyish blotches along the midsides. The fins are spotted, and the caudal fin is mostly dusky, especially the outer middle part, with a few small faint dusky blotches dorsally.

Head large, flattened with low, mostly spineless ridges; mouth large with very large canine teeth in jaws; angle of gill cover with two strong, spines of similar size

A big factor in being to identify this species is the colour of the fish and a mouth full of sharp teeth

Size

Can grow to around 70cm and 3kg

Habitat

Found on sandy and silty bottoms at depths of 20-430 m

Distribution

Endemic to continental shelf and slope of south-eastern Australia, from off Coffs Harbour (New South Wales) to the Investigator Strait (South Australia), including Bass Strait and Tasmania.
References & citations (2)
  1. CSIRO Marine & Atmospheric Research &Dianne J. Bray, Platycephalus richardsoni in Fishes of Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
  2. The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)

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Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into making sure identifications, descriptions, sizes, habitats and distribution details are as accurate as possible — but this information is ever-changing, so no guarantee is offered that it is correct or currently valid. Treat it as a guide and do a little of your own research for the latest word. Feedback and corrections are always welcome.