Onigocia oligolepis (Regan, 1908)
Large-scale flathead
photo by Yin, Robert

Family:  Platycephalidae (Flatheads)
Max. size:  10 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 5 - 30 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: three known specimens from Natal, South Africa (Ref. 4315); also from north and northwestern Australia, and possibly extending to western Papua New Guinea. Reported from Samoa (Ref. 592).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-111; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 11-11. Pale tan in color, whitish below; back crossed by a broad dark band at spiny dorsal and 2-3 smaller dark bands posteriorly; prominent black blotch on pelvic fins (Ref. 4315).
Biology:  Inhabits coastal mud or sand channels and slopes (Ref. 48635). Feeds mainly on crabs, prawns, and also fish. Generally not used food (Ref. 2334).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.