Originally Posted by
Peter4
Well I've never seen a sand flathead bigger than about 40cm. The only flathead species known to grow over 80cm is the dusky.....that's what I'm guessing the guy is holding in the pic, regardless of the colour.......
Below is what the DPI say:
Sand Flathead
Description
The sand flathead is a small species, generally not exceeding 45cm (less than one kilogram). At sexual maturity they are 26-27cm in length. This species is sandy brown on top, and is profusely speckled with creamy-white spots that combine to give an effect of light-and-dark blotching. Sand flathead also have distinctive tails which are white with oblique black bars. The lowest two bars are generally thicker and darker than the others. These fish are solitary animals but sometimes form loose aggregations. They feed on small fish such as whiting and mullet, crabs, prawns and other small crustaceans, squid and octopus.
Habitat/distribution
The sand flathead is a marine, bottom-dwelling fish, and can be found on soft substrates. It is a tropical and warm temperate species ranging the entire Queensland coastline on open ocean beaches, into northern New South Wales and also the Gulf of Carpentaria. Occasionally individuals are caught in the more saline estuaries. Sand flathead are also present in Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia. Although generally solitary, younger sand flathead school, making them an easy target for fishers.
Further information
Department of Primary Industries. (2002). Fish Guide. Saltwater, Freshwater and Noxious Species. The Great Outdoors Publications, Brisbane.
Grant, E.M. (2002). Grant's Guide To Fishes. E.M. Grant Pty Limited, Brisbane.
Dusky Flathead
Description
Dusky flathead are distinguished by a black spot on their tails, partially bordered with white. Fish caught in sandy areas are clean brown in colour, whereas those caught in the vicinity of weed-beds are green, mottled with brown. Dusky flathead are large fish, growing to 15kg (120cm). At sexual maturity they average around 63cm in length. They grow to larger sizes in warm water than in cool water. They are active foragers and ambush predators, and occasionally become scavengers. Their prey includes fish, prawns, crabs, other small crustaceans, squid, octopus and polychaete worms.
Habitat/distribution
The Dusky flathead is a marine species, and is commonly found inshore in coastal bays and estuaries to depths of at least 30m. The name mud flathead is a misnomer, as these fish are found over clean sandy regions as well as over silty bottoms between weed-beds. They range along the southern and central Queensland coast to north Queensland. This species is an efficient burrower, lying beneath sand and silt with only the upper part of the flattened head and eyes, and the mouth visible. From this position they await the approach of smaller prey-fish.
Suggested further reading
Department of Primary Industries. (2002). Fish Guide. Saltwater, Freshwater and Noxious Species. The Great Outdoors Publications, Brisbane.
Grant, E.M. (2002). Grant's Guide To Fishes. E.M. Grant Pty Limited, Brisbane.
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