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Branched-ray flounder (Citharoides macrolepidotus) — Citharidae

Branched-ray flounder

Citharoides macrolepidotus
Family: Citharidae

The Branched-ray flounder (Citharoides macrolepidotus) is a saltwater fish of the family Citharidae that grows up to 29 cm.

Length
29 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
121.0–271.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Korea (North), Korea (South), Philippines

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Description

The Branched-ray flounder is a flatfish (Citharidae) from coastal waters of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 29 cm and has an oval, strongly flattened, pale-brown body with both eyes on one side. As a bottom-dweller it lies half-buried on sand and mud bottoms and ambushes small crustaceans, worms and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Branched-ray flounder?

The Branched-ray flounder has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Branched-ray flounder live?

The Branched-ray flounder lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Korea (North), Korea (South), Philippines

How big does the Branched-ray flounder get?

The Branched-ray flounder grows to a maximum of about 29 cm.

Is the Branched-ray flounder dangerous to humans?

No, the Branched-ray 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
Branched-ray flounder sourced
Scientific name
Citharoides macrolepidotus
Family
Citharidae
Other names
Branched ray flounder; Branchray flounder; Largescale flounder; Large-scale flounder verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
29.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
121.0 verified
Max depth (m)
271.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Korea (North), Korea (South), Philippines sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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 Citharidae

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