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Dusky Flathead Platycephalus fuscus Cuvier, 1829
[CAAB 37 296004]

Distribution Map see an interactive map here (new window)

Distribution, ecology and habitat:

Inshore waters of the east coast of Australia from Halftide (Queensland) to Cann River (Victoria). Demersal on soft bottoms in estuaries, occasionally rivers (including freshwater), bays and coastal waters to depths of 79 m.

Size:

Maximum length at least 120 cm TL (typically 40-80 cm); maximum weight at least 15 kg (typically <6 kg).

Food and feeding:

Primarily piscivorous, also large benthic crustaceans.

Characteristics:

D I, I, VII, I, 13; A 13; C 14; P 19 or 20; V I, 5.

Body elongate, slightly depressed. Head large (length ca. 29-30% SL), strongly depressed, with several prominent, mostly spineless ridges; two short, stout anteriorly pointing preorbital spines; eyes small (14-15% HL) with long iris lappet; mouth large, extending to level of mid-eye; teeth small, villiform, with a short canine at inner angle of both symphyses, two small patches of villiform teeth on vomer, a single series of small stout teeth on palantines, no greatly enlarged canines; two strong preopercular spines at angle of preopercle, lower slightly larger than upper; 2 or 3 gill rakers on lower limb, 7-10 on upper limb of first gill arch; interopecular flap present. Scales small, finely ctenoid, covering body and most of head behind eyes; lateral line scales subequal in size to adjacent scales on side, ~130 oblique rows of scales above lateral line, anteriormost one or two scales with small spine or ridge. First dorsal fin spinous with short base, first two spines very short, detached, following spines much longer, last spine in front of second dorsal fin minute. Second dorsal fin with moderately long base, anterior ray longest, unbranched. Anal fin similar in shape, opposite and slightly longer-based than second dorsal fin. Caudal fin slightly rounded. Pectoral fins short and rounded. Pelvic fins long, based below centre of pectoral fins. Swim bladder absent.

Colour:

Colour variable; dark brown, greyish brown, sandy brown, olive brown, to almost black dorsally, sometimes with darker bars and pale spots or blotches; pale to whitish ventrally. Caudal fin bluish grey on lower half, brown spotted on upper half; dorsal fins with brown spots on the spines and rays, forming interrupted bands; anal fin whitish; pectoral fins with dense covering of small brown to reddish brown spots, pelvic fins similar but with larger spots.

Fisheries:

A very important recreational and commercial species in eastern Australia. The Dusky Flathead is the largest and most sought after flathead species, being an important commercial species, especially in New South Wales estuaries. It is mostly caught by gillnetting and beach seining, but may also be taken by trawling.

Conservation Status:

None.

Other common names:

Estuary Flathead, Flattie, Dusky, Lizard, Black Flathead, Frog, Mud Flathead, River Flathead.

Original citation:

Platycephalus fuscus Cuvier, 1829 In Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss. v. 4, 1829: 241, Port Jackson, New South Wales.

References:

Eschmeyer, W.N. (2008) The Catalogue of Fishes on-line. (California Academy of Sciences: San Francisco) Available from: http://www.calacademy.org/research/ichthyology/catalog/fishcatmain.asp (15 March, 2008).

Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & Allen, G.R. (2006) Fishes. In: P.L. Beesley & A. Wells (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia Volume 35. Parts 1-3. Australian Biological Resources Study and CSIRO Publishing, 2248 pp.

Ogilby, J.D. (1893) Edible fishes and crustaceans of New South Wales. Published by the Authority of the New South Wales Commissioners for the World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago, 1893. Charles Potter, Govt. Printer, Sydney. Edible Fishes N.S.W. 212 pp.

Starling, S. (1992) The Fisherman's Handbook. Sandstone Books. 263 pp.

Yearsley, G.K., Last, P.R. & Ward, R.D. (2001) Australian Seafood Handbook: an identification guide to domestic species. FRDC / CSIRO Marine Research, 469 pp.