Fin's Fish Guide
The Blotched tongue-sole (Cynoglossus puncticeps) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Cynoglossidae that grows up to 35 cm.
Indo-West Pacific; sandy and muddy bottoms of the continental shelf and estuaries.
Description
The speckled tonguesole is a flatfish of the tonguefish family (Cynoglossidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 35 cm and has an elongate, tongue-shaped, tapering body with both eyes on the left side and dorsal, tail and anal fins running into one another; the body bears a fine speckled pattern. It lives on sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf and enters the lower reaches of estuaries. As a bottom hunter it feeds on small crustaceans, worms and molluscs. The species is a local food fish and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blotched tongue-sole?
The Blotched tongue-sole has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Tongue-shaped body with both eyes on the left and a fine speckled pattern; inhabitant of sandy and muddy bottoms.
Where does the Blotched tongue-sole live?
The Blotched tongue-sole lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific; sandy and muddy bottoms of the continental shelf and estuaries.
How big does the Blotched tongue-sole get?
The Blotched tongue-sole grows to a maximum of about 35 cm. On average the species is around 9 cm.
Is the Blotched tongue-sole dangerous to humans?
No, the Blotched tongue-sole is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blotched tongue-sole edible?
Yes, the Blotched 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 Blotched tongue-sole?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blotched tongue-sole is one of 12,519 species in the app.