Crocodile Flathead

Description:

Also known as Crocodilefish, De Beaufort's Flathead and Beaufort's Crocodilefish. The Crocodile Flathead is mainly nocturnal, feeding on fish, swimming invertebrates and squid. They pale and darken to blend in with surroundings, and they also go through a black phase. Their eyes are covered by a tasseled curtain which helps to disguise them from predators. The tassels expand and contract with intensity of light. Flatheads are closely related to Scorpionfish.

Habitat:

Found singly on coarse sand and rubble areas of fringing coral reefs, in seagrass beds and near mangroves. They are widespread in the Asia-Pacific region.

Notes:

I found this flathead at a depth of about 15 feet, off the northern coast of Talikud Is., Samal, Philippines. My previous spotting: http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/785...