Photo: Hamid Badar Osmany / CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
Platycephalus indicus
Bartail Flathead
Saltwater
About this species
A flattened, well-camouflaged ambush predator of sandy and muddy coastal flats. It lies buried with only its eyes showing, then lunges at passing baitfish and shrimp. Summer is prime as it moves shallow to feed and spawn.
Season
123456789101112
Depth
0 – 30 m
Habitat Spots
NearshoreEstuarySurf
Fishing Methods
LureBottom
Bait & Rig
Soft plastic jigs bounced on the bottom, or live sand gobies and shrimp.
Edibility & Taste
Firm, clean white flesh excellent as sashimi in summer.
Similar Species
Told from other flatheads by the barred tail and long, flattened head.
Record Weight
3.5 kg