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Derwent flounder (Taratretis derwentensis) — Pleuronectidae

Derwent flounder

Taratretis derwentensis

The Derwent flounder (Taratretis derwentensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Pleuronectidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
3.0–50.0 m
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flatfish
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

The Derwent flounder is a flatfish from shallow sandy and coastal water of Tasmania in southern Australia. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a flat, oval body with both eyes on one side; the top is sandy-brown mottled for camouflage, the underside pale. As a bottom-bound ambush hunter it lies half-buried and seizes small fish, crustaceans and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Derwent flounder?

The Derwent flounder has a flatfish-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Derwent flounder live?

The Derwent flounder lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia

How big does the Derwent flounder get?

The Derwent flounder grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Derwent flounder dangerous to humans?

No, the Derwent 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.

More photos

Derwent flounder (Taratretis derwentensis) — Pleuronectidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Dr Shane Roberts, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Derwent flounder (Taratretis derwentensis) — Pleuronectidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Janine Baker, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Derwent flounder (Taratretis derwentensis) — Pleuronectidae — 4
P. Young, Australian National Fish Collection, CSIRO (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF
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All data

Identification

English name
Derwent flounder sourced
Scientific name
Taratretis derwentensis
Family
Pleuronectidae
Other names
Derwent flounder verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.0 verified
Body shape
Flatfish sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
3.0 verified
Max depth (m)
50.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia 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

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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 Pleuronectidae

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