Where “Flathead” Comes From
Flathead are bottom-dwelling fish with flat heads and wide mouths, found along the coast of Australia. Their white, mild flesh makes them one of the most popular fish for eating.
Fish and chip shops sell “flathead tails”, small pieces of fillet that are fried in batter or crumbs.
“We had crumbed flathead and chips.”
How Aussies Actually Use It
You’ll hear it on fishing trips and in fish and chip shops.
In Real Life
A feed of flathead is a classic Australian meal: the white fish is crumbed or battered, served with chips and lemon. Anglers love catching them in bays, estuaries and off beaches. There are several kinds, such as dusky flathead and sand flathead. Size and bag limits apply, and the spines near the head can give a nasty prick, so handle them with care.
Quick Questions
Is flathead a good eating fish?
Yes, it has mild, white flesh that many people love.
What’s a flathead tail?
A small fillet taken from the tail section, commonly served at fish and chip shops.
Say It Like an Aussie
Say it: FLAT-hed.
In conversation:
- Flathead tails are great.
- We caught a flathead off the jetty.
- A fresh flathead fillet is delicious.
Good to know: Fishing rules, such as size and bag limits, differ by state. Check the local fisheries rules before you fish.
See also: Barramundi
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