11. Grammoplites scaber (Linnaeus, 1758)

Rough flathead (Figure 12)

Materials examined:, 2 ex.; 21.04.11, Udaypur, Digha, Reg No. MARC /ZSI/F1751 .

Description: Body elongate, subcylindrical, anterior nostril with flap. Each lateral line scales with a backward directed spine that extends beyond rear margin of scale, especially along the caudal peduncle. Brown above and light below, about 4 dark vertical bands on dorsal side which extend to sides also. First dorsal with minute dark spots and black on distal half. Second dorsal, anal, caudal and pectoral with small spots; pelvic dark with minute black pigment spots.

Distribution: Indo-West Pacific: southern Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal through Malaysia, Indonesia to Bali and Celebes, Gulf of Thailand, Viet Nam, Hong Kong and southern Philippines. Also reported from the Arafura Sea.

Remarks: The fish has minor commercial value. Size: 18 cm.