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Brazilian flounder (Paralichthys brasiliensis) — Paralichthyidae

Brazilian flounder

Paralichthys brasiliensis

The Brazilian flounder (Paralichthys brasiliensis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Paralichthyidae that grows up to 100 cm.

Length
100 cm
Water
Brackish
Depth
0.0–40.0 m
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil, Falkland Is., Uruguay
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Brazilian flounder is a large flatfish (Paralichthyidae) from coastal and brackish water of the southwest Atlantic, off South America. The species grows to about 1 metre and has an oval, strongly flattened, brown-marbled body with both eyes on the left side and a large mouth. As a bottom-oriented ambush hunter it lies half-buried on sand and mud bottoms of estuaries and coastal water and seizes small fish, crustaceans and worms. It is a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Brazilian flounder?

The Brazilian flounder has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Brazilian flounder live?

The Brazilian flounder lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Brazil, Falkland Is., Uruguay

How big does the Brazilian flounder get?

The Brazilian flounder grows to a maximum of about 100 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.

Is the Brazilian flounder dangerous to humans?

No, the Brazilian 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.

Is the Brazilian flounder edible?

Yes, the Brazilian flounder is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Brazilian flounder sourced
Scientific name
Paralichthys brasiliensis
Family
Paralichthyidae

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
100.0 verified
Average length (cm)
40.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
40.0 verified
Natural range
South America: Brazil, Falkland Is., Uruguay sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
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

Same genus Paralichthys

More from the family Paralichthyidae

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