Inhabits sand and rubble areas of lagoon and seaward reefs . The species buries itself in the sand for camouflage. Feeds on crabs and prawns, also on fishes. Also found in sandy fringe of coral reefs (Ref 90102).
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 12; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 11 - 12. Body mottled with brown and white blotches above, whitish below; back crossed by 4-5 dark bands which may be indistinct . Lips with a row of small fleshy papillae. Base of lower opercular spine concealed by scales. Dorsal fin rays usually 11. Iris lappet bearing short branches with bifurcate tips. : elongated.
Behavioural data for Fringelip flathead is currently being reviewed.
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 1 - 40 m . Tropical; 26°N - 28°S East Africa to the Tuamoto Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands (Ref.
crabs and prawns, also on fishes
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Callionymus barffi | Curtiss | 1944 | Synonym |
| Cottus otaitensis | Cuvier | 1829 | Synonym |
| Eurycephalus otaitensis | Cuvier | 1829 | Synonym |
| Platycephalus malayanus | Bleeker | 1854 | Synonym |
| Platycephalus otaitensis | Cuvier | 1829 | Synonym |
| Platycephalus variolosus | Günther | 1876 | Synonym |
| Platycephalus variolusus | Günther | 1876 | Synonym |
| Thysanophrys malayanus | Bleeker | 1854 | Synonym |
| Thysanophrys otaitensis | Cuvier | 1829 | Synonym |
| Thysanophrys papillolabium | Schultz | 1966 | Synonym |
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 5 records indexed .
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