Flathead Congolli

The flathead congoli has a flattened, elongate and shallow body, its depth being around 15% of its standard length. The head is quite large having its length being around 31% of the standard length and is highly flattened and has a wide rounded snout. The large eyes are close to each other and are on the back of the head. The mouth is large and terminal and there are small bristle-like teeth arranged in bands in each jaw. There is a small, weak, flattened spine on the operculum near the upper edge. The head and body, as well as the caudal and pectoral fins are covered in small ctenoid scales. The lateral line is straight and clearly visible. The first dorsal fin has 9 spines is small with a short base with its origin just in front of the origin of the pectoral fins and the second dorsal fin has a base which is around three times the length of first. The anal fin contains 23 soft rays, has a long base and is similar in shape and sits opposite the second dorsal fin, although it is positioned slightly to its rear, The caudal fin is slightly rounded. The pectoral fins are large and rounded. The pelvic fins ait at the jugular and are approximately arrow-shaped with the central fin rays being the longest. The maximum recorded total length was 16.8 cm (6.6 in). …

The flathead congoli is endemic to southeastern Australia where it is found around Tasmania and off Wilsons Promontory in Victoria. It is found on shallow, semi-exposed reefs where it sheltersbelow ledges and deep within caves during the day.