Fin's Fish Guide
The Bengal tongue sole (Cynoglossus cynoglossus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cynoglossidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The Bengal tongue sole is a tongue sole from coastal, estuarine and fresh water of the Indo-West Pacific, mainly around the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an oblong, tongue-shaped, strongly flattened, brown body with both eyes on the same side. As a bottom-dweller it lies half-buried in sand and mud bottoms of shallow water and river mouths and searches for small worms and crustaceans. It is a local food fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bengal tongue sole?
The Bengal tongue sole has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Tongue-shaped flattened body with the eyes on one side; burrowing estuarine tongue sole
Where does the Bengal tongue sole live?
The Bengal tongue sole lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Bengal tongue sole get?
The Bengal tongue sole grows to a maximum of about 20 cm. On average the species is around 13 cm.
Is the Bengal tongue sole dangerous to humans?
No, the Bengal tongue sole 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.
Is the Bengal tongue sole edible?
Yes, the Bengal tongue sole is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cynoglossus
More from the family Cynoglossidae
Want the complete picture on the Bengal tongue sole?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bengal tongue sole is one of 12,519 species in the app.