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Platycephalidae Collection

The Platycephalidae family, commonly known as crocodilefish or flatheads, are masters of disguise in the underwater world

Background imagePlatycephalidae Collection: Camouflaged eye detail of a huge Crocodilefish (Cymbacephalus beauforti), Triton Bay, West Papua

Camouflaged eye detail of a huge Crocodilefish (Cymbacephalus beauforti), Triton Bay, West Papua, Indonesia, Pacific Ocean

Background imagePlatycephalidae Collection: 13131102

13131102
Celebes Flathead - Murex House Reef dive site, Bangka Island, north Sulawesi, Indonesia, Pacific Ocean Date: 24-03-2016

Background imagePlatycephalidae Collection: Crocodilefish (Cymbacephalus beauforti) close up detail of the retractable eye-lashes

Crocodilefish (Cymbacephalus beauforti) close up detail of the retractable eye-lashes, Mabul Island, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia Celebes Sea

Background imagePlatycephalidae Collection: Close-up of a Common crocodilefish / Carpet flathead (Papilloculiceps longiceps)

Close-up of a Common crocodilefish / Carpet flathead (Papilloculiceps longiceps) camouflaged on sea bed, coast of Dhofar and Hallaniyat islands, Oman. Arabian Sea

Background imagePlatycephalidae Collection: A flathead Crocodilefish in Indonesia

A flathead Crocodilefish in Indonesia

Background imagePlatycephalidae Collection: A flathead fish camouflages itself in the sandy seafloor

A flathead fish camouflages itself in the sandy seafloor of Komodo National Park, Indonesia. This tropical region in Indonesia is known for its spectacular coral reefs and high marine biodiversity

Background imagePlatycephalidae Collection: A camouflaged horned flathead lays hidden on a sandy slope

A camouflaged horned flathead lays hidden on a sandy slope
A camouflaged horned flathead (Thysanophrys carbunculus) lays hidden on a sandy slope near the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia

Background imagePlatycephalidae Collection: Welanders Flathead (Rogadius welanderi) adult, close-up of head, resting on sand, Seraya, Bali

Welanders Flathead (Rogadius welanderi) adult, close-up of head, resting on sand, Seraya, Bali, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia, December

Background imagePlatycephalidae Collection: Fringelip Flathead (Sunagocia otaitensis) adult, close-up of head, camouflaged on black sand

Fringelip Flathead (Sunagocia otaitensis) adult, close-up of head, camouflaged on black sand, Lembeh Straits, Sulawesi, Sunda Islands, Indonesia, June

Background imagePlatycephalidae Collection: Crocodile flatfish

Crocodile flatfish
A crocodile fish, Cymbacephalus beauforti. The flat body shape and colouration help it blend into the sea floor. Photographed off Halmahera, Maluku Islands, Indonesia

Background imagePlatycephalidae Collection: Eye of crocodile fish

Eye of crocodile fish
An extreme close up of the eye of a crocodile fish, Cymbacephalus beauforti. Found at Halmahera, Maluku Islands, Indonesia

Background imagePlatycephalidae Collection: Flathead fish illustration

Flathead fish illustration
One of 67 original water colour drawings of Mammals, Reptiles and Fish found at King Georges Sound, Western Australia, and in its neighbourhood; accompanied by manuscript notes by Neill, Robert

Background imagePlatycephalidae Collection: Crocodilefish (Papilloculiceps longiceps) hiding in the sand. Red Sea. Egypt. (RR)

Crocodilefish (Papilloculiceps longiceps) hiding in the sand. Red Sea. Egypt. (RR)
Jolyon Graham / SplashdownDirect


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The Platycephalidae family, commonly known as crocodilefish or flatheads, are masters of disguise in the underwater world. With their incredible camouflaging abilities, they blend seamlessly into their sandy surroundings. One remarkable example is the huge Crocodilefish (Cymbacephalus beauforti) found in Triton Bay, West Papua, Indonesia. Its eyes are a sight to behold with intricate details that seem almost invisible at first glance. The retractable eye-lashes add an extra touch of mystery to this fascinating creature. Another member of the Platycephalidae family is the Common crocodilefish / Carpet flathead (Papilloculiceps longiceps). This species showcases its camouflage skills by perfectly blending into the sandy seafloor. It's truly astonishing how nature has equipped these fish with such effective disguises. A horned flathead also demonstrates its mastery of concealment on a sandy slope. These elusive creatures remain hidden from predators and prey alike thanks to their exceptional ability to match their environment effortlessly. In Bali's Seraya and Lesser Sunda Islands, we encounter Welanders Flathead (Rogadius welanderi), resting peacefully on the sand. Their heads provide a close-up view of their unique features while showcasing yet another example of nature's camouflage expertise. Lastly, we have Fringelip Flathead (Sunagocia otaitensis) found in Sulawesi's Lembeh Straits. This adult specimen astounds us with its head camouflaged against black sand—a testament to evolution's brilliance in adapting organisms for survival. The Platycephalidae family encompasses an array of mesmerizing species like crocodilefish and flatheads that continue to captivate our imaginations through their extraordinary camouflage techniques.