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Sand flathead (northern sand flathead)
Platycephalus arenarius

Officers of DPI Fisheries

sand flathead


This is a regulated fish. See Recreational fishing rules in Queensland - Tidal waters for the current regulations.   

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.

Note: Some information in this publication may change from time to time (especially size and in-possession limits). You should contact your nearest Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol or the DPI&F Business Information Centre (13 25 23) for latest fisheries regulations and information.

This DPI Note is also published on the DPI&F's PrimeNotes CD-ROM.

Information contained in this publication is provided as general advice only. For application to specific circumstances, professional advice should be sought. The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Queensland has taken all reasonable steps to ensure the information in this publication is accurate at the time of publication. Readers should ensure that they make appropriate inquiries to determine whether new information is available on the particular subject matter.

Last reviewed 27 October 2005 

 

© The State of Queensland, (Primary Industries and Fisheries within the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation) 1995-2009.
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