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Banded-fin flounder (Azygopus pinnifasciatus) — Pleuronectidae

Banded-fin flounder

Azygopus pinnifasciatus

The Banded-fin flounder (Azygopus pinnifasciatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Pleuronectidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
120.0–900.0 m
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia, New Zealand

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Description

The banded-fin flounder is a flatfish (Rhombosoleidae) from coastal waters around New Zealand and southeastern Australia. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a flattened, oval body with both eyes on the right side; the brown upper side bears rows of dark spots and the fin margins dark bands, the underside is white. As a bottom-dweller it lies buried on sand and mud bottoms and snaps at worms, small crustaceans and molluscs. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Banded-fin flounder?

The Banded-fin flounder has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Banded-fin flounder live?

The Banded-fin flounder lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia, New Zealand

How big does the Banded-fin flounder get?

The Banded-fin flounder grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Banded-fin flounder dangerous to humans?

No, the Banded-fin flounder is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Banded-fin flounder (Azygopus pinnifasciatus) — Pleuronectidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Ken Graham, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Banded-fin flounder (Azygopus pinnifasciatus) — Pleuronectidae — 3
Chi Phan (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — AM
Banded-fin flounder (Azygopus pinnifasciatus) — Pleuronectidae — 4
Australian National Fish Collection, CSIRO (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF
Banded-fin flounder (Azygopus pinnifasciatus) — Pleuronectidae — 5
Chi Phan (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — AM
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Banded-fin flounder sourced
Scientific name
Azygopus pinnifasciatus
Family
Pleuronectidae
Other names
Banded-fin flounder; Bandedfin flounder verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
120.0 verified
Max depth (m)
900.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia, New Zealand sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Pleuronectidae

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