---
title: Flatheads (Platycephalidae)
scientific_name: Platycephalidae
common_name: Flatheads
rank: Family
published: 2024-11-19T18:41:51.573Z
updated: 2026-08-03T20:56:49.934Z
tags: Flatheads, Platycephalidae, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/flatheads
---

# Flatheads (*Platycephalidae*)

## Quick facts

- **Rank:** Family
- **Scientific name:** Platycephalidae
- **Body shape:** Flattened - Pressed flat top-to-bottom, lies on the bottom - rays, flounders, crocodilefishes.
- **Species listed here:** 3

## How to recognise this group

- head strongly flattened top-to-bottom
- eyes large, positioned on top of head
- elongated body profile
- lies motionless on sand or rubble
- cryptic camouflage matching seabed

Flatheads (Platycephalidae) are characterized by their distinctively flattened, broad heads and large, forward-facing eyes positioned on top. Their elongated bodies are dorsoventrally compressed, tapering towards the tail. Strong, bony heads feature ridges and spines, contributing to their cryptic appearance. Members of this family typically range from 30 cm (12 inches) up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) in length. Their varied coloration and intricate patterns mimic rocks, sand, or vegetation, making them nearly invisible against the substrate.

These fishes are ambush predators, relying on excellent camouflage to blend with their surroundings while lying motionless in wait for prey. They feed on small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, which are captured with their large, often protrusible mouths. Flatheads inhabit sandy or rubble bottoms and seagrass beds, commonly found between 1 to 100 meters (3-330 feet) depth. Divers often spot these fishes resting motionless on the seabed, difficult to distinguish from their environment.


## Species (3)

- [Bartail Flathead (Platycephalus indicus)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/flatheads/bartail-flathead)
- [Crocodilefish (Papilloculiceps longiceps)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/flatheads/crocodilefish)
- [Two-spotted Flathead (Onigocia bimaculata)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/flatheads/two-spotted-flathead)

---

*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/flatheads)*
*Updated: August 3, 2026*