Cymbacephalus bosschei (Bleeker, 1860)
Small-eyed flathead
Cymbacephalus bosschei
photo by CSIRO

Family:  Platycephalidae (Flatheads)
Max. size:  45 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 10 - 50 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: Philippines, Borneo, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, the Arafura Sea (Ref. 9819) and Western Australia to Darwin and Brisbane, Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-12; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 12-12. No pit present behind upper eye. Preopercular spines short, usually 2 subequal. Infraorbital ridge usually smooth over eye. Suborbital ridge bearing 1slight spine just behind eye, spine often obscure or lacking in adults. No dermal papillae on upper eye. Caudal fin with a large elongate dark blotch along upper and lower margins. Description: Characterized by pale brown color with small dark brown spots; 0-2 anterior lateral-line scales bearing small weak spine; absence of preorbital spines; cirrose iris lappet (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Found in shallow coastal areas and reef flats to about 50 m. Usually captured by spear fishing or with ichthyocide, occasional specimen taken by trawling (Ref. 9790).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Also Ref. 90102.


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