Dr. John Turnbull, Marine Explorer, Australien
Info
The crocodile fish Platycephalus caeruleopunctatus is a benthic predator that preys on a variety of benthic creatures.
The color of the crocodile fish is variable, dorsally brownish with pale blue to whitish or red spots.
On the underside of the operculum there is a large dark spot
The construction side is pale to whitish.
The caudal fin margin shows 3 short, dark brown+ stripes over a single dark spot.
The pectoral and pelvic fins have small brown spots forming indistinct bands, the anal fin is whitish.
As with many other species, females of Platycephalus caeruleopunctatus grow larger than males.
This crocodile fish does not eliminate a swim bladder!
Platycephalus caeruleopunctatus is often caught by sport anglers.
Synonym: Trudis caeruleopunctatus (McCulloch, 1922)
The color of the crocodile fish is variable, dorsally brownish with pale blue to whitish or red spots.
On the underside of the operculum there is a large dark spot
The construction side is pale to whitish.
The caudal fin margin shows 3 short, dark brown+ stripes over a single dark spot.
The pectoral and pelvic fins have small brown spots forming indistinct bands, the anal fin is whitish.
As with many other species, females of Platycephalus caeruleopunctatus grow larger than males.
This crocodile fish does not eliminate a swim bladder!
Platycephalus caeruleopunctatus is often caught by sport anglers.
Synonym: Trudis caeruleopunctatus (McCulloch, 1922)
