Smallhead sole
📖 Overview
Found in estuaries and harbors, usually buried in muddy substrate . Move with undulating body when disturbed, reminiscent of distasteful flatworm, thus possibly deterring predators .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 71 - 84; Anal soft rays: 61 - 71; Vertebrae: 43 - 45. This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following characters: vertebrae 43-45; dorsal-fin rays 71-84; anal-fin rays 61-71; lateral-line scales 81-89; ocular-side pigmentation pattern consists of 8-10 dark-brown to black, mostly complete crossbands on the body, with these bands noticeably wider than the alternating lighter-colored crossbands; 3 dark brown crossbands continuous across head; 2 conspicuous white spots in longitudinal series on the ocular-side midline; 2 elongated ocular-side pectoral-fin rays of nearly equal length or with the second fin ray longer than first; small scales on bases and proximal halves of elongated ocular-side pectoral-fin rays .: short and / or deep; Cross section: flattened.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Smallhead sole is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; demersal; depth range 3 - 43 m . Subtropical; 30°S - 34°S Southwest Pacific: warm-temperate New South Wales, Australia.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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