Tentacled flathead

The tentacled flathead (Papilloculiceps longiceps) or crocodilefish is a member of the order Scorpaeniformes, an order which also includes the scorpionfishes and stonefishes. It is found in the Western Indian Ocean; the Red Sea. The species now also occurs in the Mediterranean, having invaded as a Lessepsian migrant through the Suez Canal.[1]

Crocodilefish
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Actinopterygii
Order:
Scorpaeniformes
Family:
Platycephalidae
Genus:
Papilloculiceps

Species:
P. longiceps
Binomial name
Papilloculiceps longiceps
(G. Cuvier, 1829)

Behaviour

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

Description

Tentacled flatheads are mottled brown or green and grey, coloured ideally to be camouflaged with their habitat. They have eye lappets, which help to break up the outline of the iris and improve camouflage, and can reach a length of 70 cm.

  • Crocodile fish at 20m Dahab, Red Sea
  • Head detail
  • Detail of lappets over eyes
  • True colouration

Habitat
Papilloculiceps longiceps and Cymbacephalus beauforti are the two species of the family Platycephalidae which resemble crocodiles most

Tentacled flatheads dwell in areas where the sea floor is soft or sandy and their camouflage is most effective, usually associated with reefs or rubble.

Diet

Tentacled flatheads are carnivorous, and will eat most fish small enough to fit in their mouth.

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References
  1. Rodríguez, G.; Suárez, H. (2001). "Anthropogenic dispersal of decapod crustaceans in aquatic environments". Interciencia. 26 (7): 282–288.
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