About Philypnodon grandiceps (Krefft, 1864)
The flathead gudgeon, scientifically named Philypnodon grandiceps (Krefft, 1864), generally reaches around 8 cm (3.2 in) in length, though exceptionally large individuals have been recorded at up to 11 or 12 cm (4.5 in). It has a large, flattened head and a large mouth that extends backward past the eyes, plus two short dorsal fins. Its upperparts can be any of various shades of grey, brown, black, or yellowish, and it has yellowish underparts. This species can be told apart from the related dwarf flathead gudgeon (Philypnodon macrostomus) by the barred lines on its flanks, its larger overall size (the dwarf flathead gudgeon only grows to 5 cm, or 2 in, long), and its wide gill openings. For distribution and habitat, the flathead gudgeon occurs in estuaries and freshwater rivers. Its range extends from just north of the Fitzroy River in central Queensland, through New South Wales and Victoria, to the Gawler River in South Australia, and also covers some parts of northern Tasmania.
