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Sunday, December 17, 2017

The Tentacled flathead (Papilloculiceps longiceps) or Crocodilefish is a member of the order Scorpaeniformes, an order which also includes the scorpionfishes and stonefishes. It is found in the Western Indian Ocean; the Red Sea. The species now also occurs in the Mediterranean, having invaded as a Lessepsian migrant through the Suez Canal.

Behaviour


Large Octopus Tentacles Aquarium Stock Photo 495998755 - Shutterstock
Large Octopus Tentacles Aquarium Stock Photo 495998755 - Shutterstock. Source : www.shutterstock.com

They are predatory bottom-dwelling fish, using their camouflage to ambush their prey.

Description


Tentacled Snake | Smithsonian's National Zoo
Tentacled Snake | Smithsonian's National Zoo. Source : nationalzoo.si.edu

Tentacled flatheads are mottled brown or green and grey, coloured ideally to be camouflaged with their habitat. They have eye lappets, which help to break up the outline of the iris and improve camouflage, and can reach a length of 70 cm.

Habitat


Fish ID Project by Molly Fourier - issuu
Fish ID Project by Molly Fourier - issuu. Source : issuu.com

Tentacled flatheads dwell in areas where the sea floor is soft or sandy and their camouflage is most effective, usually associated with reefs or rubble.

Diet


Coral Dwelling Stock Photos & Coral Dwelling Stock Images - Alamy
Coral Dwelling Stock Photos & Coral Dwelling Stock Images - Alamy. Source : www.alamy.com

Tentacled flatheads are carnivorous, and will eat most fish small enough to fit in their mouth.

References


Anemoneor Actinia Home Clownfish Urticante Marine Stock Photo ...
Anemoneor Actinia Home Clownfish Urticante Marine Stock Photo .... Source : www.shutterstock.com

  • Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2007). "Papilloculiceps longiceps" in FishBase. 4 2007 version.

Crocodilefish- Facts Photographs and Video - Seaunseen
Crocodilefish- Facts Photographs and Video - Seaunseen. Source : seaunseen.com

 
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