Southern sand flathead

Platycephalus bassensis the Southern sand flathead, Bass flathead, bay flathead, common flathead, sand flathead, sandy, sandy flathead, slimy flathead or yanks, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Platycephalidae, the flatheads. It is endemic to Australia.

They are bottom dwellers and are popular for their use in fish and chips. They are the most commonly caught recreational species in Tasmania.

Distribution

Platycephalus bassensis is endemic to southern Australia where it occurs from northern New South Wales to southwestern Western Australia, including around Tasmania. However, some authorities state that records west of the Great Australian Bight are misidentifications of P. westraliae. This species occurs on sandy, muddy or shelly substrates in shallow coastal bays down to depths of around 100 m (330 ft).

Behaviour

Platycephalus bassensis is an ambush predator which buries itself in the sediment feeding on fishes and large benthic crustaceans.