The Rock Flathead (Thysanophrys cirronasus) is a colourful flathead species that belongs to the flathead family Platycephalidae. It can be found in Australia’s southern waters from southern Queensland around the south the waters off Perth in Western Australia. It is rarely encountered in Victoria and has not been recorded in Tasmania. The colour of the Rock Flathead can vary from dark purple to a light cream and its colouration will generally match its surroundings. Juveniles are often a dusky colour and can be seen hiding in amongst rubble in estuaries.
The Rock Flathead has an unusually large sized head that accounts for approximately 40% of its size. The species relies on camouflage for protection and can often be found sitting motionless in amongst weeds and rubble of estuaries and coastal reefs. The species is also commonly referred to as the Tassel-snouted Flathead. The Rock Flathead grows to a maximum size of approximately 35cm.
