De Beaufort's flathead

The Crocodilefish (Cymbacephalus beauforti), also known as De Beaufort's flathead or Giant flathead, is a member of the order Scorpaeniformes, which also includes the scorpionfishes and stonefishes.

De Beaufort's flathead
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Actinopterygii
Order:
Scorpaeniformes
Family:
Platycephalidae
Genus:
Cymbacephalus
Species:
C. beauforti
Binomial name
Cymbacephalus beauforti
(L. W. Knapp, 1973)

Description

The Crocodilefish is a medium-sized fish which grows up to 50 cm (19.7 in), but the average size mostly observed is 35 cm (13.8 in).[1] The body is elongated and the head is particular because of its flat appearance like a duck bill. They have lappets at the rear of their globulous eyes, which help to break up the outline of the black iris and improve their camouflage. Juveniles begin black with few white spots and a white line behind the head. The adults have a body coloration which can vary in intensity according to the surrounding. The body is covered with a pattern like a mosaic of beige to brown spots or even greenish to grey separated by an interlacing of blue lines which ideally camouflaged them with their habitat.[2]

Distribution & Habitat

It is widely distributed throughout the tropical waters of the center of the Indo-West Pacific.[3]

Crocodilefish dwell in sandy patch and detritic zone where their camouflage is most effective, usually associated with reefs or mangroves in shallow water and protected areas. They are found in a range of depth from 2 to 30 m,

Alimentation

Crocodilefish are carnivorous, their diet is based on small fish and crustaceans.

Behaviour

They are benthic, solitary and predatory bottom-dwelling fish, using their camouflage to ambush their prey.

Eye lappet
Close shot of head and eye lappet of Crocodilefish.

References
  1. "Cymbacephalus beauforti, Crocodile fish : fisheries". Fishbase.org. 2012-07-03. Retrieved 2015-09-26.
  2. "Descriptions and articles about the Crocodile Fish (Cymbacephalus beauforti) - Encyclopedia of Life". Eol.org. 2009-07-24. Retrieved 2015-09-26.
  3. "Descriptions and articles about the Crocodile Fish (Cymbacephalus beauforti) - Encyclopedia of Life". Eol.org. 2009-07-24. Retrieved 2015-09-26.
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