(Image credit: CSIRO)

Body and head are flattened. Colouration is a pale brown to tan that usually matches the substrate very well. Brown spots adorn the dorsal surface of the body. The underside is much lighter. On the tail there are horizontal dark bands that decrease in size as they approach the dorsal surface. Most commonly found camouflaged on the sand. Rarely seen swimming or in mid-water. If approached the fish will erupt from the sand with a burst of speed and settle again nearby.

Length: Up to 45 cm

Habitat

Coastal and estuarine areas with sandy substrate; 0-50 m depth

Log it

In New South Wales, log if south of Bate Bay

Related links/info

Species names on the Redmap site are based on the Codes for Australian Aquatic Biota or CAAB (http://www.cmar.csiro.au/caab/). This is updated regularly and lists the approved common name, family, species name and more.

Find further information and images at FISHES OF AUSTRALIA http://www.fishesofaustralia.net.au/