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(Click for large pic. 64Kb)
A large Flathead found along the entire Queensland coastline from north to south, the Bar tailed Flathead grows to a metre (40 inches) in length. Its body is sandy brown above and whitish below: it bears a series of about eight irregular dark blotches across the back.
The upper surface of the body is profusely spotted with brown : the pectoral and ventral fins are similarly marked. The caudal fin is brown towards its base, merging into ivory white; it bears three very characteristic horizontal black bars as shown in the accompanying pic. and is broadly edged above with orange yellow.
The Bar tailed Flathead is usually taken on fish baits, alive or as fillets but, remarkably enough. will rise avidly to a trolled or spun plug or lure.
Younger fish are quite good eating, the flesh coming away in large delicate flakes; but larger specimens tend to become coarse and flavourless, and they should be released.
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