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Finless flounder (Achiropsetta tricholepis) — Achiropsettidae

Finless flounder

Achiropsetta tricholepis

The Finless flounder (Achiropsetta tricholepis) is a saltwater fish of the family Achiropsettidae that grows up to 39 cm.

Length
39 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
21.0–1186.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Argentina, Falkland Is., Crozet Is., Kerguelen Is., New Zealand, Uruguay

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Description

The finless flounder is a flatfish (Achiropsettidae) from cold waters of the southern hemisphere, around southern South America and subantarctic islands. The species grows to about 39 cm and has an elongate, strongly flattened, brownish body with both eyes on the left side and reduced pectoral fins. As a bottom-dweller it lies half-buried on sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf and ambushes small fish and invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Finless flounder?

The Finless flounder has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Finless flounder live?

The Finless flounder lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Argentina, Falkland Is., Crozet Is., Kerguelen Is., New Zealand, Uruguay

How big does the Finless flounder get?

The Finless flounder grows to a maximum of about 39 cm.

Is the Finless flounder dangerous to humans?

No, the Finless 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Finless flounder sourced
Scientific name
Achiropsetta tricholepis
Family
Achiropsettidae
Other names
Prickly flounder verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
39.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
21.0 verified
Max depth (m)
1186.0 verified
Natural range
South America: Argentina, Falkland Is., Crozet Is., Kerguelen Is., New Zealand, Uruguay sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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
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

More from the family Achiropsettidae

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