Family Hoplichthyidae
Taxonomy: A small family comprised of about 11 species within a single genus, five described species have been recorded from Australia (Hoese, 2006). The taxonomy of species within this family still requires clarification.
Distribution, ecology and habitat: The largest species, Hoplichthys haswelli, reaches a maximum size of about 43 cm, species more commonly to a maximum of <30 cm SL.
Characteristics:
Body elongate, dorso-ventrally flattened; mostly scaleless, with a row of spiny scutes along lateral line extending over much of back and upper half of sides. Head moderately large, very wide and flat, ridges and spines variously developed; eyes on dorsal surface of head. Pectoral fins with 11 to 14 upper rays and 3 or 4 detached lower rays.
Size: Demersal in the Indo-Pacific, from coastal waters to ~1500 m on the slope. Species in the family are generally poorly known
Food and feeding: Commonly feed on fishes and crustaceans, but diet generally poorly known.
Fisheries: Not commercially targeted, reported to have high quality flesh, but even large specimens yield relatively little meat.
Australian species:
- Hoplichthys citrinus Gilbert, 1905 Lemon Ghost Flathead CAAB 37297002
- Hoplichthys filamentosus Matsubara & Ochiai, 1950 Longray Ghost Flathead CAAB 37297005
- Hoplichthys haswelli McCulloch, 1907 Deepsea Flathead CAAB 37297001
- Hoplichthys ogilbyi McCulloch, 1914 Ogilby's Ghost Flathead CAAB 37297006
- Hoplichthys regani Jordan, 1908 Regan's Ghost Flathead CAAB 37297007
References:
Paxton, J.R., Gates, J.E. McGrouther, M.A. & Hoese, D.F. (2006). Hoplichthyidae (pp. 949-950). In: Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. Fishes.
McGrouther, M.A. (1999). Family Hoplichthyidae. Pp. 2422-2424 In Carpenter, K.E. & Niem, V.H. (eds). The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fisheries Purposes. Rome. FAO Vol. 4 pp. 2069-2790.