A white container holds a mixed catch of several fish. A large mottled bartail flathead lies diagonally across the top over silvery seabreams, and some of the seabreams show yellowish caudal fins with dark spots at the tail base. No angler, rod, or surrounding water is visible.
Flathead fish have two short spikes on either side of their heads and on top of their heads that contain venom. The venom, while not fatal, can cause pain and infection. Some anglers believe the pain of the sting of the flathead fish can be reduced by rubbing the slime of the belly of the same fish that caused the sting on the inflicted wound, due to a particular gland in its belly.
Many species are found in the Indo-Pacific, especially most parts of Australia where they are popular sport and table fish. They inhabit estuaries and the open ocean.
And they're quite tasty too.