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Bandfin flounder (Perissias taeniopterus) — Bothidae

Bandfin flounder

Perissias taeniopterus
Family: Bothidae

The Bandfin flounder (Perissias taeniopterus) is a saltwater fish of the family Bothidae that grows up to 11 cm.

Length
11 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
46.0–157.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flatfish
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and others

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Description

The bandfin flounder is a flatfish (Bothidae) from sand and mud bottoms of the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a strongly flattened, oval body with both eyes on the left side; the upper side is sand-coloured and mottled for camouflage, the underside pale. As an ambush predator it lies half-buried on the bottom and seizes passing small fish, shrimp and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bandfin flounder?

The Bandfin flounder has a flatfish-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Bandfin flounder live?

The Bandfin flounder lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and others

How big does the Bandfin flounder get?

The Bandfin flounder grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.

Is the Bandfin flounder dangerous to humans?

No, the Bandfin 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Bandfin flounder sourced
Scientific name
Perissias taeniopterus
Family
Bothidae
Other names
Striped-fin flounder; Flag flounder verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
11.0 verified
Body shape
Flatfish 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)
46.0 verified
Max depth (m)
157.0 verified
Natural range
North America: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and others sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
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
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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 Bothidae

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