PLATYCEPHALIDAE Sunagocia otaitensis, 9.8 cm SL (photo by Richard Winterbottom) Sunagocia otaitensis (Cuvier, 1829) Fringelip Flathead D I-VII-IX + 11-12 (usually 11); A 11-12 (usually 12); P1 19-22; P2 I, 5; LLp 50-54. Body elongate. Head moderately depressed. Suborbital ridge usually with 4-5 spines. Eye without ocular flaps. Iris lappet with short branches. Teeth on vomer in 2 separate patches. Lips margins with well-developed papillae. Interopercle very large, strongly extended ventrally. Cheek region partially covered by skinny sensory tubes. Lateral line scales with 2 openings to exterior. Color: in pale specimens, upper surface of body and head light brown with some white spots, lower surface pale; all fins, except for pale anal fin, with light brown spots, those on caudal fin making some irregular vertical bands. In dark specimens, upper surface of body and head dark brown with some light brown spots, lower surface pale; all fins, except for pale anal fin with dark line along rays on lower half, with dark spots, those on caudal fin making some irregular vertical bands. Size: maximum length about 25 cm, commonly to 19 cm. Distribution: widespread in Indo-West Pacific, ranging from northern Natal to Izu and Ogasawara Islands, and to Tuamotu Islands. Remarks: commonly taken over sand around coral reefs at depths of 10 m or less.