Fin's Fish Guide
The Drab tonguefish (Symphurus plagusia) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cynoglossidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Description
Symphurus plagusia, the duskycheek tonguefish, is a small flatfish of the family Cynoglossidae (tonguefishes) from the western Atlantic. The species has a tongue-shaped, strongly flattened body with both eyes on the left side and the dorsal, caudal and anal fins fused into a continuous fringe; it reaches about 25 cm. It lives in shallow water on mud and sand bottoms, often near river mouths, where it partly buries itself. The diet consists of small bottom invertebrates such as polychaete worms and crustaceans. The species is landed locally as bycatch but is of limited commercial importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Drab tonguefish?
The Drab tonguefish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Tongue-shaped, left-eyed flatfish with a continuous fin fringe; partly buries itself.
Where does the Drab tonguefish live?
The Drab tonguefish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Shallow muddy and sandy bottoms of the western Atlantic.
How big does the Drab tonguefish get?
The Drab tonguefish grows to a maximum of about 25 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Drab tonguefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Drab tonguefish 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 Drab tonguefish edible?
The Drab tonguefish is rarely eaten.
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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 Drab tonguefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Drab tonguefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.