Flathead (Tiger)

Tiger flathead

Scientific name

Neoplatycephalus richardsoni

Characteristics

Bright orange/brown spots on the head and body, with red/brown spots on upper half of the tail. They have large teeth on the roof of their mouth and a sharp spine on each side of the head. Considered good eating.

Size

Maximum of 3 kg and 65 cm in length.

Distribution

Tiger Flathead are found from the NSW north coast south through to Portland in Victoria, including Bass Straight and Tasmania. This species is predominantly found offshore but Tiger Flathead also inhabit shallow coastal bays. Tiger Flathead are more common south of Nowra.

Confusing species

The reddish/orange spots on the head and body separate this from other flathead.