Bartailed Flathead
NameBartailed Flathead
Scientific NamePlatycephalus indicus
Common NamesBartailed Flathead, Indian Flathead, Common Flathead, Bar-tailed Flathead
FamilyPlatycephalidae
OriginIndo-Pacific, East Africa, Red Sea, Persian Gulf, India, Southeast Asia, Australia, Japan
Temperamentaggressive
Dietcarnivore
Care Levelexpert
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)500
Max Size (Inches)47
Water TypeSaltwater
Temperature Range (°F)72-82
pH Range8.1-8.4
Description
The Bartailed Flathead is a large, predatory marine fish known for its flattened body and excellent camouflage, allowing it to ambush prey on sandy or muddy bottoms. It is a bottom-dwelling species found in coastal waters across the Indo-Pacific, feeding primarily on smaller fish and crustaceans. Due to its size and predatory nature, it is not commonly kept in home aquariums.
