Fringe-eye Flathead, Cymbacephalus nematophthalmus (Gunther, 1860)

ANIMAL SPECIES:Fringe-eye Flathead, Cymbacephalus nematophthalmus (Gunther, 1860)

The Fringe-eye Flathead can be distinguished from other species of flatheads by the presence of six to nine skin tentacles above both eyes. The species occurs in tropical waters of the Western Pacific.

Alternative Name/s

Rock Flathead, Sammy Dong

Identification

The Fringe-eye Flathead can be distinguished from other species of flatheads by the presence of six to nine skin tentacles above both eyes. The iris lappets are semicircular with long branches. There is a deep pit behind the eyes. The species is usually dark grey-green above and pale below. There is a broad brown band under the eyes and seven to eight dusky bars across the nape and back. The fins have a variegated pattern of brown and green with yellow marbling.

Size range

The species grows to 58 cm in length and 6.55 kg in weight.

Distribution

The Fringe-eye Flathead is occurs in tropical waters of the Western Pacific. In Australia, it is known from estuarine and inshore waters from the central coast of Western Australia, around the tropical north of the country and south to the central coast of New South Wales.

Distribution by collection data

Biomaps map of Fringe-eye Flathead specimens in the Australian Museum collection.

What does this mean?

Habitat

The Fringe-eye Flathead is a benthic species that is usually found on sandy and muddy seabeds in coastal and offshore tropical waters.

Classification

Species:: nematophthalmus
Genus:: Cymbacephalus
Family:: Platycephalidae
Order:: Scorpaeniformes
Class:: Actinopterygii
Subphylum:: Vertebrata
Phylum:: Chordata
Kingdom:: Animalia

What does this mean?

References

Allen, G.R. & R. Swainston. 1988. The Marine Fishes of North-Western Australia. A Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 201.
Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
Knapp, L.W. 1999. Family Platycephalidae . in Carpenter, K.E. & V.H. Niem. 1999. The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. Volume 4. Bony fishes part 2 (Mugilidae to Carangidae). FAO. Rome Pp. iii-v, 2069-2790.
Sainsbury, K.J., Kailola, P.J, & G.G. Leyland. 1985. Continental Shelf Fishes of northern and north-western Australia. An illustrated Guide. CSIRO Division of Fisheries Research. Pp. 375.

Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated: 11 May 2010

Share: