Flathead

The head is flat and flat.

Scientific name	Platycephalus sp. 2
English name	Flathead
Japanese name	真鯒
Classification	Actinopterygii
Classification details	Scorpaeniformes Platycephalidae
Full length	50-80cm
Distribution	Tohoku region and south.

Characteristics

A bottom-dwelling fish characterized by a flattened head. The English name "Flathead" comes from the fact that the head is flat. Some individuals grow up to 80cm in length. The body is a sandy or brown color similar to that of the ocean floor, with white and blackish brown spots scattered here and there. The upper eyes are small and round. The head is large, but the tail is narrow.

Ecology

It inhabits sandy seabeds and mimics sand to catch prey. Eat crustaceans and small fish. It stays almost motionless and is difficult to spot.

Habitat

Hayakawa beach at night

I photographed an individual that appeared on the sand during night diving. It was a fairly large fish with a flattened silhouette. The white spots blended well with the sand.