Common Name: Broad Duckbill

Distribution: Uncommon in the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Known from Indo-Pacific region: in Australia from central New South Wales to southern Western Australia, including Bass Strait.

Ecological Notes: Frequents sandy areas, waveformed sand crests where it buries itself among the sand grains. Clear sand estuaries and coastal bays, depth range from shallow to at least 130 m.

Additional Notes: Small species at the northern range limit, rarely seen unless habitat disturbed, after which may be seen to dart to a new hiding place. Pale in colour matching the type of sand in which they bury. Small juvenile in top photo, larger juvenile (20 mm) at bottom. Grows to 9 cm.

References: Kuiter, R. H., Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Published by Crawford House Press Pty. Ltd., 1993. p. 247. p.316.