Dusky Flathead
The dusky flathead, Platycephalus fuscus, is a demersal fish native to Australia, commonly found in shallow coastal waters and estuaries. Recognizable by its flattened body and large mouth, it is prized in recreational fishing and commercial fisheries. The dusky flathead's diet includes small fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods.
Length~45 (max 130)
Weight~2 (max 15)
WaterSalt, brackish
Depth30 ft
- Other namesBlack flathead
- Length~45 (max 130)
- Weight~2 (max 15)
- WaterSalt, brackish
- Depth30 ft
Popular lures for Dusky Flathead
Regulation for Dusky Flathead
- SeasonAlways open
- Bag limit5
- Vessel limit-
- Trophy limits-
- Max size70 cm
- Min size36 cm
- MeasurementTotal length
- Prohibited methods-
Living Conditions
🐟 Habitat preferences
- Dusky flatheads inhabit shallow bays, estuaries, and coastal inlets, often venturing into freshwater
- They prefer sandy, muddy, and seagrass-covered bottoms
- These fish are opportunistic predators, feeding on small fish, crabs, prawns, and cephalopods
- Juveniles are commonly found in mangrove areas and seagrass beds for protection and feeding
♻️ Life cycle and mating behavior
- Spawning occurs from spring to summer, with eggs and larvae dispersed by tides and currents
- Males guard nests where females lay eggs, which hatch in about a week
- Juveniles inhabit shallow, vegetated coastal areas before moving to deeper waters as they grow
- There is some debate about whether dusky flatheads are protandrous, meaning they change sex from male to female as they age