Fin's Fish Guide
The Cape scaldfish (Arnoglossus capensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Bothidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Southeast Atlantic along the coast of southern Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf.
Description
The Cape scaldfish is a small, thin flatfish of the family Bothidae (lefteye flounders) reaching about 20 cm. Both eyes lie on the left side; the pale, strongly compressed body is almost translucent and the scales come off easily, from which the name scaldfish derives. The brown, blotched upper side gives good camouflage on sand and mud bottoms. The species lives over soft bottoms of the continental shelf along the coast of southern Africa, where it lies half-buried watching for prey. On the bottom it ambushes small crustaceans, worms and small fish. Because of its small size it has little commercial value and is mostly landed as bycatch.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cape scaldfish?
The Cape scaldfish has a flatfish-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small, thin left-eyed flounder with an almost translucent body and loosely attached scales; well camouflaged on soft bottoms.
Where does the Cape scaldfish live?
The Cape scaldfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southeast Atlantic along the coast of southern Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf.
How big does the Cape scaldfish get?
The Cape scaldfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Cape scaldfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Cape scaldfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Cape scaldfish edible?
The Cape scaldfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Arnoglossus
More from the family Bothidae
Want the complete picture on the Cape scaldfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cape scaldfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.