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Beche De Mer
(Sea Cucumber - Trepang)

There are more than 40 species of Flathead found in Australia. Most of these are found from southern QLD, south around the southern half of Australia to South West Western Australia.

The dusky is the largest member of the family Platycephalidae, which contains more than 30 species, at least 14 of which are taken by anglers from time to time. Most of the more common flathead may be separated and identified by carefully examining the colouration and markings on the tail or caudal fin. The dusky flathead or dusky is also known as the estuary flathead and mud flathead, while it and other members of this extensive family are also commonly referred to as "flatties", "frogs", "lizards", "croc's" and "Yanks".

Flathead are characterised by their flattened bodies (less flattened in the tiger flathead), broad, spade-like heads, large mouths and fine teeth. Sets of sharp spines covered in mildly venomous mucus are located on the gill covers. The flathead's camouflaged colouration is extremely variable, ranging from very light sandy white or fawn with darker bars and blue, red and black spots or "stars" to brick red or almost jet black. The flathead's belly is almost always creamy, creamy-yellow or white.

Flathead are found in shallow estuaries and lakes and inhabit streams as far upstream as the tidal limits, but they often are found in freshwater. They are also found offshore on sandy or gravel bottoms and seagrass beds. Their range is from intertidal areas to depths of 10 metres. Sand Flathead have been found at depths of up to 100 metres.

Angling for Flathead:

Flathead may be fished for in a variety of ways. Many are taken on bottom-fished or drifted baits of small, live or dead "poddy" mullet or herring, pilchards, whitebait, sprats, anchovy and strips of mullet, tailor, yellowtail, tuna or garfish, as well as yabbies, nippers, marine worms, shellfish and prawns. When using dead baits, results are often improved by retrieving the bait slowly over the seabed, or by using the tide and current to keep the boat or rig moving. Flathead are also a recognised lure and fly fishing target. They respond particularly well to small and medium sized metal spoons, rubber-tailed jigs, floating/diving or sinking minnows, plugs and streamer flies. These should be presented close to the bottom for best results.

• Read more about Catching Flathead | Bait for Flathead | Where to Catch Flathead

Cooking Flathead:

The colour of raw Flathead fillet is white. When cooked, the flesh is tender to firm and flakes easily. They have a low fat content and has a distinct, mild flavour. Flathead are highly rated table fish with firm, white and flaky flesh which tends towards dryness in larger fish. They are best suited to recipes which help to maintain moisture content in the flesh while cooking. Flatheads are superb table fishes, with finely textured flesh. The use of a sauce or marinade will overcome the slightly dry texture sometimes evident in these fishes after cooking.

• Read more about Cooking Flathead | Recipes Using Flathead Fish

Flathead are wild caught. Commercial fishing for Flathead is an important fishery in NSW with most capture being in late Autumn to early spring, and are mainly caught using gill nets and tunnel nets. Lakes Entrance in Victoria has the largest Danish Seine fishery in Australia with Flathead and School whiting being the main species targeted and caught. Buyers and sellers of flathead fish are listed.

• Read more about Commercial Fishing for Flathead | Buy Sell Flathead

Bartailed Flathead

Northern Sand Flathead

Dusky Flathead

Yellowtailed Flathead