B, F - December 16, 2020

FLATHEAD, BARTAILED

Scientific Name:

Platycephalus indicus

Fish Group:

Flathead

Salt/Fresh:

Salt

Also Known As:

Bartailed Flathead; Swan River Flathead; FLATHEAD, BARTAILED

Rating:

Countries:

Australia

Description:

The bartailed Flathead is a medium sized flathead from the top half of Australia

How To Identify:

Typical Flathead look but easily distinguishable by the flag type appearance of its tail. The 'Flag' on the tail is black and white with yellow blotch on the middle of the fin (as distinguished from the yellowtail flathead where the yellow blotch is at the top of the fin). They are basically a brown colour with blotches over their body, from more sandy bottom the colour is more a light brown and darker from muddier waters. They grow to about 1.5 kgs but normal size is under 1 kg.

How To Catch:

All flathead are opportunistic feeders and typically lie in wait on drop offs where small bait fish and other crustaceans wash over with the tide. Flathead camouflage themselves on the bottom (as you can tell from their shape) and bury themselves in the sand or mud waiting to ambush their prey. Flathead in the most part were targeted with live bait and this is one of the most productive ways to target flathead. Live small fish such as poddy mullet are excellent, however they will take most baits and always a welcome catch for the angler fishing for whiting or bream. However they also readily take lures and are probably one of the first fish caught on a lure by many young anglers. They are a sucker for a well presented soft plastic, and great fun on light tackle. I have also caught many on hard bodied deep divers. When fishing lures (although they will rise to the surface to chase a lure) the best way is to ensure your lures is working along the bottom of the sand or mud.

Where Found:

Bartail Flathead are found from South Queensland right around the north of Australia to just below Perth in Western Australia. They mostly inhabit inshore waters of Bays and Estuaries.

FLATHEAD, BARTAILED

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