Southern Bluespotted Flathead

Platycephalus speculator

Platycephalus speculator - Southern Bluespotted Flathead
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Size: 90 cm

Distribution: All SA coastal and gulf waters

Habitat: Sandy areas

Depth: Subtidal to 10+ metres

Platycephalus speculator - Southern Bluespotted Flathead
Platycephalus speculator - Southern Bluespotted Flathead

The largest Platycephalus species in SA, this species can nonetheless be difficult to identify. Found mostly on sandy seabeds, this species is a sandy colour itself, with some darker brown bands, and the whitish-blue spots that give it its common name. It resembles P. laevigatus, which is found on algae and seagrass beds, as well as P. bassensis, with which is shares a habitat. It can be distinguished by experts by details on its tail, and the relative length of the spines that are found on the operculum.