Cymbacephalus nematophthalmus (Günther, 1860)
Fringe-eyed flathead
Cymbacephalus nematophthalmus
photo by Banks, I.

Family:  Platycephalidae (Flatheads)
Max. size:  58 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 655.0 g
Environment:  demersal; brackish; marine; depth range 0 - 20 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: Philippines, Borneo, Singapore, Celebes, Papua New Guinea, New Georgia and Australia from the Northwest Shelf to Brisbane.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 11-11. Prominent pit present behind upper eye. Preopercular spines short, upper two subequal. Infraorbital ridge usually smooth over eye. Suborbital ridge bearing 1 spine below rear of eye. Dorsal fin IX or I,VIII. Dermal papillae (usually 6-9 in adults) on upper surface of eye, longest branched and reaching well above supraorbital ridge. Short dark streaks usually crossing rays in dorsal and caudal fins. Description: Characterized by mottled grey-brown color; fins mottled with dark and light blotches; 1-6 anterior lateral-line scales bearing weak spine or ridge; cirrose iris lappet (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits shallow rocky coastal areas frequently associated with seaweed beds and mangroves, most commonly at depths of less than 5 m (Ref. 9790). Also found on sand bottoms (Ref. 3132).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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