Fin's Fish Guide
The Blackcheek tonguefish (Symphurus plagiusa) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Cynoglossidae that grows up to 21 cm.
Western Atlantic along the coast of North America, on soft sand and silty bottoms of shallow coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The blackcheek tonguefish is a small, leaf-shaped flatfish of the family Cynoglossidae (tonguefishes) reaching about 21 cm. The elongate, rearward-tapering body has both eyes on the left side; the dorsal, caudal and anal fins merge continuously into a pointed tip. The upper side is brown and marbled, often with a dark spot on the gill cheek, the underside pale. Like all flatfish the larva starts symmetrical and tilts onto the bottom as it grows. The species lives buried on soft sand and mud bottoms of shallow coastal water and estuaries along the American Atlantic coast and tolerates brackish water. On the bottom it searches for small crustaceans, worms and molluscs.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blackcheek tonguefish?
The Blackcheek tonguefish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Small, leaf-shaped flatfish with both eyes on the left side; dorsal, caudal and anal fins merge into a pointed tip.
Where does the Blackcheek tonguefish live?
The Blackcheek tonguefish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic along the coast of North America, on soft sand and silty bottoms of shallow coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Blackcheek tonguefish get?
The Blackcheek tonguefish grows to a maximum of about 21 cm.
Is the Blackcheek tonguefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Blackcheek tonguefish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blackcheek tonguefish edible?
The Blackcheek tonguefish is not usually eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Symphurus
More from the family Cynoglossidae
Want the complete picture on the Blackcheek tonguefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blackcheek tonguefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.