Fin's Fish Guide
The Chabanaud's tonguesole (Symphurus chabanaudi) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cynoglossidae that grows up to 27 cm.
North America: Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and others
Description
The Chabanaud's tonguesole is a tonguesole (Cynoglossidae) from sand and mud bottoms of the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a strongly flattened, tongue-shaped body with both eyes on the left side, a down-curved mouth and a finely mottled, brown upper side for camouflage. As a bottom-bound fish it lies half-buried and searches for small worms, crustaceans and molluscs. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Chabanaud's tonguesole?
The Chabanaud's tonguesole has a flatfish-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.
Where does the Chabanaud's tonguesole live?
The Chabanaud's tonguesole lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and others
How big does the Chabanaud's tonguesole get?
The Chabanaud's tonguesole grows to a maximum of about 27 cm. On average the species is around 21 cm.
Is the Chabanaud's tonguesole dangerous to humans?
No, the Chabanaud's tonguesole 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 Chabanaud's tonguesole edible?
Yes, the Chabanaud's tonguesole is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Symphurus
More from the family Cynoglossidae
Want the complete picture on the Chabanaud's tonguesole?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Chabanaud's tonguesole is one of 12,519 species in the app.