The crocodile fish

crocodile fish

Scientific name	Cymbacephalus beauforti
Descriptor	Knapp
Year of description	1973
IUCN category (World)	LC
Family	Platycephalidae
Genus	Cymbacephalus

Introduction

Cymbacephalus beauforti, commonly known as crocodile fish, is a salt water fish from the Indonesian seas.

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Who is it?

Morphology

Average size

35 cm
Maximum size

50 cm
Shape

Rectangular
Pattern

mottling

Average size

35 cm
Maximum size

50 cm
Shape

Rectangular
Pattern

mottling

How to recognize the crocodile fish ?

The crocodile fish measures between 35 and 50 cm. This fish is bicolore with a predominantly marron and beige body. The also has marron mottling.

Behaviour & Life cycle

diet

carnivorous
Sociability

solitary
territorial

No
Way of living

nocturnal

The crocodile fish hunts in the stalk and is one of the predators of its biotope. Opportunistic, it does not hesitate to attack any smaller animal nearby.

The crocodile fish is a fish solitary naturally found on the bottom. This species is carnivorous . This fish lives mainly at night. Usually, it leaves its hiding place and starts to be active once it gets dark.

Although the crocodile fish is non-territorial, it is sometimes aggressive towards other species.

Reproduction

Reproduction

ovipare

The crocodile fish is a fish ovipare.

Harmless species

This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.

Where to find it?

Origin

Indonesian seas

Conservation status of populations (IUCN)

World : LC

Where to see this species?

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

Temperature

28 - 29 °C
Depth

1 - 12 m

Biotope presentation

The crocodile fish is most often found at a depth between 1m and 12m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths.

Species of the same biotope

To go further

Species of the same family

Papilloculiceps longiceps Platycephalidae

To read on the web

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Adrien Falzon

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.