Ratabulus megacephalus (Tanaka, 1917)
Ratabulus megacephalus
photo by Cornish, A.

Family:  Platycephalidae (Flatheads)
Max. size:  35 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 79 - 261 m
Distribution:  North Western Pacific: East and South China seas; southern Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hainan Island and northern Philippines.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-12; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 12-12. This species is distinguished by the following characters: 94-112 anteroventrally slanted oblique scale rows above lateral line; snout length 31.2-35.7% HL, markedly decreasing in length proportionally with growth; pectoral fin length 13.9-17.0% SL; pelvic fin length 19.5-23.1% SL; nasal bone without tubercles; dorsal surface of head and body dark brown, with small, round, dark-brown spots; and pelvic fin with small brown to black spots (Ref. 86254).
Biology:  Taken by trawling at depths of 79 to 261m. Recorded by Galathea Station 539 as being dredged over gravel (Ref. 9790).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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