Animal Species:Crocodilefish, Cymbacephalus beauforti (Knapp, 1973)
The Crocodilefish is a species of flathead (family Platycephalidae) with an intricate pattern, a distinct pit immediately behind the eyes and a concave head margin. Usually seen on sandy or rubble bottoms near mangroves, seagrass or corals, feeding on fishes and crustaceans.
A Crocodilefish caught at Maricaban Island
Mark McGrouther
© Australian Museum
Identification
The Crocodilefish is a species of flathead (family Platycephalidae) with an intricate pattern, a distinct pit immediately behind the eyes and a concave head margin.
The eyes of the Crocodilefish have iris lappets. These projections help break up the black pupil of the fish, and thus improve its camouflage (view underwater images, 1, 2, 3). Many other species of flatheads such as the Tasselsnout Flathead and Fringe-eye Flathead also have iris lappets.
Size range
The Crocodilefish grows to 54 cm in length.
Distribution
It occurs from the Philippines to New Caledonia.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Crocodilefish specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
The species is usually seen on sandy or rubble bottoms near mangroves, seagrass or corals at depths ranging from 1 m to at least 30 m.
The fish in the images was caught in May 2000, at a depth of 5 m at Maricaban Island, Republic of the Philippines. The site was mostly coral reef, sand, rubble and rocky outcrops.
Feeding and Diet
It eats fishes and crustaceans.
Classification
- Species:
- beauforti
- Genus:
- Cymbacephalus
- Family:
- Platycephalidae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Michael, S.W. 1998. Reef Fishes. Volume 1. A Guide to Their Identification, Behaviour, and Captive Care. Microcosm. Pp. 624.
- Myers, R.F. 1999. Micronesian Reef Fishes. Coral Graphics. Pp. 330.
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Tags fish, ichthyology, Crocodilefish, Cymbacephalus beauforti,
