Raiders.
Had a recent experience with a big flathead that has cemented my view on flathead breeding behaviour. I was an opponent to the introduction of 'slot size' limits for flathead (particularly dusky -'couple of years back') due to lack of proper science-based decision process or at the very least really good research that would also support / underpin decisions, as they ultimately create legislation and subsequently affect people such as ourselves (recreational fishers!) - for the record even as an opponent to rules I still adhere to them of course!
Recently I was fishing the Hacking in Sydney south and caught a large flattie. After some 20 minutes of what I had deemed to be a large version of my favourite fish (the dusky flathead!) I was surprised to notice when I had the fish 'near to the surface but not completely visible due to water clarity' that the fish did not appear to be a defined 'flathead shape' and almost looked at first glimpse as a large octopus 'flaying its tentacles from side to side'. Also I note; that whilst I had caught big flattie in the past I had never had such a trouble 'getting it off the 'bottom and to the boat!'
Another five minutes or so and I finally had it at the surface, it was clearly a large dusky but was 'flanked (four each side of the fish) by eight good size flatheads. each time I lifted the big girl closer to the surface the 'group' of what I later assumed to be males! moved and swayed and were obviously very reluctant to let the big girl out of their sight (this explained to me why I couldn't properly identify it at my first sighting).
A rare moment in my fishing life - I had witnessed natures account of dusky flathead breeding cycle and its importance to this species (truly a "David Attenborough moment")
All went well, back in the water! and had plenty other good ones to home.